Wednesday night sees Monaco host Benfica at Stade Louis II in an exciting matchday five of the UEFA Champions League. Both teams are on fine runs within their domestic seasons and look to cement their status for the knockout stages of the competition.
Monaco: Have made good starts with 10 points from four games and are third in the Champions League standings.
Benfica: Improving under Bruno Lage but seeking consistency after dropping points in their last two European outings.
Match Preview
Monaco: Looking to Keep Momentum
Monaco goes into the match on a three-game winning streak after overcoming a short stutter earlier this month. Their recent run includes an emphatic win over Bologna in the Champions League and two great Ligue 1 wins against Strasbourg and Brest.
Key highlights for Monaco:
Exceptionally good at home, having lost only one of nine home matches this season.
Historic return to Champions League success after six years with 10 points after four games.
Gained an important win over Barcelona at Stade Louis II, illustrating continental powers.
Historical Background: This marks the third time these clubs meet; Benfica dominated in their encounters during the group stage in 2014, having earned four points and clean sheets in both matches.
Benfica: Gaining Confidence Under Lage
Bruno Lage has managed an astonishing 11 wins in his first 13 games as boss, and after back-to-back defeats against Feyenoord and Bayern Munich, respectively, the Portuguese giants are finding their feet once again.
Key highlights for Benfica:
Dominant 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid earlier in the group stage.
Recent domestic success, including a 4-1 victory over Porto and a 7-0 demolition of Estrela in the cup.
Yet to win on the road in France at this competition, drawing three, losing five in eight previous visits.
Form Guide
Monaco (Champions League): WDWW
Monaco (All Competitions): WLLWWW
Benfica (Champions League): WWLL
Benfica (All Competitions): WWWLWW
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Monaco Team News
The return of Lamine Camara from suspension should join Denis Zakaria, back from injury, as Monaco bolster their midfield. Left-back Caio Henrique remains a doubt, thus Christian Mawissa Elebi might retain his spot.
Injuries:
Folarin Balogun and Krepin Diatta
Predicted Lineup:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI: Majecki; Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Henrique; Zakaria, Camara; Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir; Embolo
Benfica Team News
Benfica, meanwhile, has some defensive setbacks due to Alexander Bah’s injury and Tiago Gouveia being doubtful. Bruno Lage may prefer to rotate some players after the cup win over the weekend, although the likes of Angel Di Maria and Arthur Cabral could still play.
Injuries:
Alexander Bah, Gianluca Prestianni
Tiago Gouveia (doubtful)
Predicted Lineup:
Formation: 4-3-3
Starting XI: Trubin; Kabore, Tiago Araujo, Otamendi, Fernandez; Aursnes, Luis, Kokcu; Di Maria, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu
Match Prediction
Monaco 1-1 Benfica
Monaco’s impressive home form contrasts with their winless streak against Portuguese clubs at Stade Louis II. Meanwhile, Benfica’s recent resurgence under Lage and their dominant domestic displays suggest they can take something from this game.
