Probable Team Lineups: PSG vs Monaco
PSG's three key players, Neymar Jr., Sergio Ramos, and Julian Draxler will be unavailable due to injuries. Neymar, Brazil's explosive forward, will not be available until the end of January next year. Ramos and Draxler are both out for this match at home.
Predicted Playing XI (PSG):
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Achraf Hakimi (RB), Marquinhos (CB), Presnel Kimpembe (CB), Juan Bernat (LB), Marco Verratti (CM), Leandro Paredes (CM), Ander Herrera (CM), Lionel Messi (RW), Angel Di Maria (LW), Kylian Mbappe (FW)
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Monaco's ace midfielder Cesc Fabregas, and winger Krepin Diatta, are both injured and will miss the match. Diatta is also under suspension, so he would not have been available even if he had remained healthy.
Predicted Playing XI (Monaco):
Alexander Nubel (GK), Djibril Sidibe (RB), Axel Disasi (CB), Caio Henrique (LB), Aurelien Tchouameni (MF), Sofiane Diop (MF), Gelson Martins (MF), Youssouf Fofana (MF), Ismail Jakobs (MF), Wissam Ben Yedder (FW), Kevin Volland (FW)
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Head-to-Head: Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Monaco
Both sides have met 37 times in their history. PSG have defeated Monaco 17 times in total. On the other hand, AS Monaco have won seven times against Paris Saint-Germain, with the remaining ten matches ending in a draw. PSG defeated Monaco 2-0 away from home in their most recent match on May 19 of this year. PSG's latest Ligue 1 title came in the 2019-2020 season, while Monaco's last championship was in the 2016-2017 season.
Monaco vs PSG match prediction
After securing a spot in the Champions League Round of 16 for the 2021-2022 season, PSG is in a positive mood. Mauricio Pochettino has been criticized for failing to implement his strategy on the pitch. The handling of big players is a major concern for PSG. Nonetheless, they have found a way to win games and remain atop the Ligue 1 points standings. The 4-3-3 formation will suit PSG perfectly in this match. This is the ideal formation for Paris Saint-Germain, given the strength of their team. If necessary, they can adapt to a 4-4-2 formation. However, they should be alright with their preferable formation at home.
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On the other side, Monaco coach Niko Kovac is unlikely to take any risks against PSG. Because preparing an offensive game plan might be a risky move for them. Therefore, Monaco may opt for a more defensive approach in an attempt to mitigate the threat posed by Messi, Mbappe, and Di Maria. In such a case, Monaco may go for a 3-5-2 formation to reinforce their midfield. The fundamental goal of this formation is to have complete control of the middle. Monaco's forward line can attack the opponent half if they can maintain good ball possession. They can also play defensively and counter-attack, given PSG's defense hasn't fared well this season.
Prediction: PSG 3-1 Monaco
Verdict
Both PSG and Monaco will be without some key players in this match due to injury. Regardless, the match will be exciting since it will include some of the biggest names in world football. Paris Saint-Germain have one of the formidable squads in the world, yet the most common criticisms leveled at the team is that they are not performing to their full potential. Mauricio Pochettino's side has struggled to play as a unit. As a result, they have experienced some unexpected losses this season. PSG's main goal would be to put up a strong performance against Monaco. On the other hand, the visiting side will be looking for a point from this PSG vs Monaco encounter. Winning the league will be a long shot for them at this stage. Therefore, Monaco's first aim will be to qualify for the Champions League next season.
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