Monaco vs Aston Villa Prediction & Betting Tips (21 January)

AS Monaco got off to a strong start to its season, whether in the Champions League or L1, but seems to be in trouble now. Beaten twice by Paris SG in the championship 2-4, and during the Trophée des Champions 1-0 with a goal from Démbélé in added time, the Monegasques have won only two of their last eight matches in all competitions. and occupy 3rd place in the French championship. In the Champions League, after successes full of panache against Bologna 0-1, Red Star Belgrade 5-1, and FC Barcelona 2-1, Adi Hütter's men took the lead in quick succession against Benfica at home 2-3, and more logically at the Emirates against Arsenal 3-0. Now relegated to 16th place in this league, Monaco can still believe in the top 8 on one condition: Win the last two matches. Under the leadership of Unaï Emery, Aston Villa is performing wonders in the Champions League and occupies the 5th spot in the ranking with two days to go. Suffice to say that a victory this evening in the South of France and the Villains will probably qualify for the round of 16 of this big-eared cup. With this new format, certain second-rate clubs can afford to make moves depending on the draw of the big bosses of European football.

Given the state of City, Real Madrid, and even PSG, we quickly understand that this format could be a new way to shake up the hierarchy. And Aston Villa are profiting from it. Let's remember that he beat Bayern in this league phase 1-0, or even RB Leipzig during the previous day in Germany 2-3. The English did not steal their position very clearly. In the Premier League, 4th in the previous campaign, the London club is showing itself in decline this time by being outside the European folding seats. To start the year, he beat promoted Leicester at home 2-1 before moving on to Everton and Arsenal last weekend, two good away tests before this trip to the Principality to follow.

Absent from the field for the next few weeks-months, Balogun will logically be out this evening, along with young midfielder Coulibaly, Senegalese striker Diatta, and hopeful Diop. Absent against Arsenal due to suspensions, the crucial Singo and Mawissa will be back in the Champions League, the same goes for the ever-present Zakaria, who withdrew against the Gunners due to an injury but will return to competition during the Champions Trophy against at Paris SG. Author of 2 goals in C1, Akliouche (2 goals, 4 assists in L1) will be there as will the Japanese international Minamino (2 pawns in C1), and the Moroccan international Ben Seghir (5 goals, 3 goals in L1).  Among the residents of Villa Park, former Nantes player and starting central defender Diego Carlos will not play due to a suspension (accumulation of yellow cards).

Absent from the trip to Leipzig due to problems, Bailey (1 goal this season) and Jacob Ramsey (2 assists in the PL) made their return to competition recently while Scottish international McGinn (20 goals in 73 caps) recently joined the infirmary (uncertain), alongside the important Pau Torres (ex-Villarreal, holder in the central hinge), and the crack Jaden Philogene (12 goals with Hull City in the Championship last season) who joined Ipswich during the winter transfer window. Winner of several trophies for best goalkeeper in the world, the Argentinian international Emiliano Martinez will be on the trip to Monaco like the man with 3 goals in the Champions League, Duran (7 goals in the league), or even the English international Watkins (8 goals, 4 assists in PL), still without a goal in C1 but author of 2 pancakes all the same.