Sabasports Match Preview
UEFA Champions League: AS Monaco vs Aston Villa
Kickoff Time: 2025-01-22 01:45(HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Hannah McKay
AS Monaco lost 1-2 to Montpellier in their away league match last weekend, marking their fourth consecutive match without a win, reflecting a rather low state of form. Monaco primarily employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their tactical approach focusing on counter-attacks. Although their offensive firepower is not particularly outstanding, Monaco’s attacking efficiency is relatively good. Their ability to execute wing counter-attacks and penetrate through the middle can occasionally break through the opponent’s defense. However, Monaco has recently struggled with the execution of their defensive tactics, as their constant forward pressing leads to a relatively high defensive line. This positioning makes them susceptible to counter-attacks, especially against forwards with strong individual skills. In their last four matches, Monaco has conceded as many as six goals. The defensive vulnerabilities have hindered Monaco’s overall performance.
Aston Villa drew 2-2 away against Arsenal in their league match last weekend, maintaining an unbeaten streak of three wins and two draws in their last five matches, showcasing a very strong form. This season, Aston Villa has demonstrated impressive competitiveness even under the pressure of competing on two tournaments. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa also plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, with counter-attacks as their preferred tactical approach. They create threats through short passing combinations and breakthroughs on the flanks, while their efficient quick counter-attacks are particularly notable. It’s worth mentioning that young player Jhon Duran has been impressive this season; despite limited playing time, he has scored 13 goals so far, showcasing remarkable efficiency.
In terms of overall strength and form, Aston Villa clearly outmatches Monaco. Additionally, Aston Villa’s performance in the Champions League this season has been significantly better than Monaco’s. The two teams have no prior head-to-head record; however, based on their recent performances, Aston Villa’s overall state is undoubtedly much more stable than Monaco’s. Therefore, in this match, it would be reasonable to expect the in-form Aston Villa to come away with a victory.
AS Monaco’s Last 5 Games: LDDLW
25-01-18 Montpellier 2-1 AS Monaco
25-01-15 Reims 1-1 AS Monaco (PEN 3-1)
25-01-11 Nantes 2-2 AS Monaco
25-01-06 Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 AS Monaco
24-12-22 Union St Jean 1-4 AS Monaco
Aston Villa’s Last 5 Games: DWWWD
25-01-19 Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa
25-01-16 Everton 0-1 Aston Villa
25-01-11 Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham United
25-01-04 Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester City
24-12-31 Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton
Head To Head Record:
None
Prediction: Aston Villa to win or Draw