Monaco vs Aston Villa Prediction: Visitors’ European form to continue

Monaco have had a month away from the Uefa Champions League to reset after they suffered back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Benfica. They return to European football on Tuesday (17:45, TNT Sports 1) as they entertain surprise package Aston Villa at Stade Louis II. 

The visitors are fifth in the standings after the opening six matches, and they have won four of their contests to date. With two games left of the league phase, the Villans have a strong chance of qualifying to the knockout stage. Read on for my Monaco vs Aston Villa prediction, where you will also find the latest match odds and team news.

Monaco vs Aston Villa Odds

Monaco have won two of their three home games in Europe this season and they are 6/4 to triumph on Tuesday. However, they have failed to win in their four matches across all competitions since the turn of the year.

Villa are 7/4, which has an implied probability of 36.4%, to come away with the three points, which they have managed on two of their three away trips in the Champions League - including against RB Leipzig last time out.

Both teams have experienced one draw in this competition so far this campaign, and Villa head here off the back of an away draw at Arsenal in the Premier League. The stalemate is on offer at 12/5 for Tuesday.

Four of Monaco's six appearances in Europe this term have produced goals at both ends. BTTS is available at 4/7 (63.6%).

Villa striker Jhon Duran has scored three goals in the Champions League so far, and he is 13/8 to strike anytime inside Stade Louis II.

Football Odds

Team News

Monaco boss Adi Hutter has several injury concerns heading into this crunch clash. Former Arsenal man Folarin Balogun is ruled out with a shoulder injury, while George Ilenikhena is set to be out of action for the next few weeks with an abductor problem.

Winger Krepin Diatta is also braced to sit out for the next stretch of games due to a muscle issue. Wilfried Singo (back) and Denis Zakaria (illness) were both missing for the hosts in their latest Ligue 1 fixture at Montpellier on Friday, and both are considered doubts to feature against Villa on Tuesday.

Hutter may be restricted from making too many changes to the XI that took to the pitch last time out, but the likes of Vanderson, Aleksandr Golovin and Breel Embolo could be in line for promotions from the bench.

Mika Bierith led the line for Monaco on Friday, having joined the club earlier this month from Sturm Graz. Embolo offers more experience than the youngster, so it would make sense to see him lead the line in such a big game.

Villa have welcome back key midfielder John McGinn back to training following a thigh injury, but his involvement on Tuesday looks doubtful, so he could be saved to face West Ham United in the Premier League at the weekend.

Centre-back Diego Carlos is unavailable due to suspension, but reports suggest he is closing in on a permanent move to Fenerbahce. Fellow defender Pau Torres (ankle) and Ross Barkley (calf) are also ruled out of this match.

Boss Unai Emery could be short on midfield options if Amadou Onana is also unable to take part, having been forced off with an injury at the Emirates on Saturday.

Aston Villa and both teams to score @ 7/2

Villa have gone through a rough patch in the Premier League this season, but they look to be way past that now with just two defeats in their last nine outings. They have had no such wobble in the Champions League, however, despite their one defeat at Club Brugge - owed to a calamitous mistake from Tyrone Mings.

The Villans have surprised most with their performance in Europe as they sit on the cusp of automatic promotion to the knockout stage. They cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal now, though, with two games left to play.

They will fancy themselves to secure another impressive win away from home against Monaco on Tuesday, because the hosts have won just five of their last 16 matches in all competitions. They have been an entertaining force this season, but lately the results haven't been lining up to match.

Villa have been a consistent force in Europe and have already beaten Bayern Munich, so they won't be fazed by this latest challenge. They know that three points here will get them a giant step closer to the round of 16, and I believe they will get the job done here.

Their 7/4 price to win has value, but I have sought a little extra by adding both teams to score at 7/2. Four of Monaco's six matches in Europe have produced goals at both ends and Hutter's men have blanked just once.

Ollie Watkins anytime goalscorer @ 6/4

Villa striker OllieWatkins has, at times, struggled this season, largely down to the high bar he set himself last year with 19 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League. Some supporters have been saying the England international has dropped off in form this campaign, but he has 10 goals in the top flight, so he is on track to match or even surpass last season's total.

Watkins has hit form in recent weeks with three goals in his last four outings in the league, with two coming in the most recent matches against Arsenal and Everton. The former Brentford man is still waiting to get up and running in the Champions League, though, despite featuring in all six games to date.

He heads to Monaco with great confidence and he will be aware that the home side have shipped six goals in their last two European fixtures. It feels like he is overdue a goal in this competition, especially as his club are doing so well.

Offers

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