Arsenal vs. Monaco: A Crucial Champions League Encounter
Arsenal welcomes Ligue 1 outfit Monaco to the Emirates on Matchday 6 of the Champions League group stage on Wednesday night. This match holds immense significance for the Gunners, who are currently vying for a top-eight finish to secure direct qualification for the knockout stages, skipping a potentially tricky playoff round. A win against Monaco would significantly boost their chances.
Recent Form and Team News
Arsenal's seemingly unstoppable momentum was slightly hampered by a 1-1 draw against Fulham at the weekend. Despite Bukayo Saka being denied a late winner by VAR, the Gunners remain unbeaten since the November international break, a run which includes a commanding 5-1 victory over Sporting CP. This win propelled them into contention for a top-eight spot.
However, Mikel Arteta faces injury concerns. Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori may miss the game due to injury, potentially leading to the deployment of Thomas Partey at right-back and Jurrien Timber at left-back again. Oleksandr Zinchenko also remains doubtful. While Arteta is expected to rotate his squad, Hale End academy stars are unlikely to feature prominently in the starting eleven. Key players like Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Mikel Merino are expected to be in contention for starting roles. Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, now with Monaco, is also ruled out due to a shoulder injury.
Monaco also enters the contest in the top eight but their position could be stronger had they held onto a 2-0 lead against Benfica. Adi Hutter's team are competitive across various fronts and are predicted to provide a stern challenge for Arsenal. They are without the suspended duo of Christian Mawissa and Wilfried Singo, meaning Mohammed Salisu and Thilo Kehrer are likely to start.
Predicted Lineups
- Arsenal: Raya; Partey, Saliba, Kiwior, Timber; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
- Monaco: Majecki; Vanderson, Salisu, Kehrer, Henrique; Zakaria, Camara; Akliouche, Ben Seghir, Golovin; Embolo
A Look Back at Past Encounters
Wednesday's match marks only the third competitive meeting between Arsenal and Monaco. Their previous encounters were in the 2014/15 Champions League round of 16. Arsenal, considered favorites, suffered a 3-1 defeat at home in the first leg, a result largely attributed to their poor finishing and defensive frailties. Despite a 2-0 victory in the away leg, Arsenal exited the competition on away goals. This past history serves as a cautionary tale for the Gunners, highlighting the potential for upsets.
Past Results
- 25 February 2015: Arsenal 1-3 Monaco (Champions League)
- 17 March 2015: Monaco 0-2 Arsenal (Champions League)
The 2023 Emirates Cup friendly between the two clubs saw Arsenal winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw. This provided a recent encounter but holds little bearing on the intensity and competitiveness of the Champions League clash.
Tactical Approaches and Potential Outcomes
Monaco, under Adi Hutter, possess an athletic and dynamic squad, particularly in attack. They are unlikely to surrender easily and will aim to play their own game, potentially exploiting Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially given the possible absences of key defenders. While Arsenal are favored given their home advantage and Monaco’s defensive absentees, the visitors' attacking prowess should make it an entertaining contest. The match outcome is crucial for both teams. A victory for Arsenal almost guarantees their place in the top 8 and the knockout phase, avoiding the two-legged playoff rounds in the new year. For Monaco, a win or even a draw would significantly boost their Champions League aspirations.
Broadcasting Information
Local viewers can watch the match on TNT Sports (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and the discovery+ app). DAZN will stream the match in Canada, and Paramount+ in the USA. The kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11th at 20:00 BST.
The Road Ahead: A Crucial Week for Arsenal
The game against Monaco arrives quickly after the Fulham draw. While the result was disappointing, Arsenal cannot afford to dwell on it. Securing a Champions League victory against Monaco is pivotal for maintaining their momentum and avoiding an extra hurdle in the tournament. A strong performance and a win here would be a significant boost heading into a pivotal Premier League clash.
The importance of this game cannot be overstated. Arsenal are one of seven clubs on 10 points heading into this week’s matches, meaning they cannot afford complacency. Their Champions League destiny, and the possibility of facing other major European clubs in a playoff round, hangs in the balance. Therefore, a win against Monaco is paramount for ensuring a smooth progression towards the Champions League knockout stages.
