Manchester City travel to France this week aiming to continue their 100% start to the UEFA Champions League campaign as they face AS Monaco at the Stade Louis II.
Pep Guardiola’s side are in fine form after a 5-1 win over Burnley, inspired by a dazzling Jeremy Doku performance and a record-breaking brace from Erling Haaland, who surpassed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Premier League’s all-time top Norwegian scorer.
City’s Recent Form
The Blues have steadied their domestic campaign with victories over Manchester United and Burnley, while also starting their European journey with a 2-0 win against Napoli. City will hope to build on that momentum despite ongoing injury absences.
Opposition Preview
Monaco, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a 4-1 defeat to Club Brugge in Matchweek 1. The fixture rekindles memories of the clubs’ 2017 meeting, when Monaco eliminated City in a dramatic Last-16 tie.
Team News
Rodri remains sidelined with knee pain, while Abdukodir Khusanov, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Omar Marmoush are still unavailable. Guardiola is expected to rely on his in-form stars to secure another Champions League victory.
Predicted Manchester City XI
Starting XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Nico, Reijnders, Foden; Bernardo, Haaland, Doku.
Substitutes: Trafford, Bettinelli, Lewis, Stones, Ake, Rodri, Kovacic, Mukasa, Bobb, Savinho.
Key Players to Watch
- Erling Haaland – Fresh from breaking another record, the Norwegian will spearhead City’s attack.
- Jeremy Doku – In electric form after his Burnley heroics, expected to torment Monaco’s defence.
- Phil Foden – The Stockport-born star remains Guardiola’s creative hub in midfield.
- Bernardo Silva – City’s captain returns to face his former club, adding leadership and experience.
FAQs
- When is the AS Monaco vs Manchester City match?
The match takes place on Wednesday night at the Stade Louis II in Monaco.
- Who is expected to start in goal for City?
Gianluigi Donnarumma is predicted to retain his place as City’s No.1 goalkeeper.
- Will Rodri play?
No, Rodri is still sidelined with knee pain and is not expected to feature.
- Who could make an impact off the bench?
Savinho, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic are potential game-changers from the bench.
Conclusion
Manchester City will be keen to secure another statement result in Europe as they face AS Monaco. With Haaland’s scoring streak and Doku’s dazzling form, Guardiola’s men look poised to continue their strong start to the campaign. However, Monaco will be determined to respond after their opening defeat, setting up a fascinating Champions League clash in the south of France.
