Monaco and Juventus face off at Stade Louis-II on Wednesday night in an important UEFA Champions League group-stage match.
Juventus aims to grab three points in this final UCL group match to improve their chances of reaching the last 16.
Monaco cannot qualify directly for the last 16, even if they win. However, they need a good result to avoid possible elimination.
Monaco vs Juventus – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, January 28.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Stade Louis II, Monaco.
Monaco team news
Monaco enters this critical match with a long injury list affecting coach Sébastien Pocognoli’s selections. Former Juventus player Paul Pogba is still out with a knee/calf injury, and Takumi Minamino is unavailable due to a knee ligament issue.
First-choice goalkeeper Lukas Hrádecký is not available, so Philipp Köhn will likely continue in goal after recent appearances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Krepin Diatta has just returned from AFCON and recent muscle problems, so he may not start. However, Vanderson and Ansu Fati have returned from injuries and provide important options on the flanks.
Centre-backs Mohammed Salisu (cruciate ligament) and Christian Mawissa (hamstring) are still out long-term. January injuries to Eric Dier (thigh) and Wout Faes (ankle) against Le Havre have further limited Pocognoli’s defensive choices.
Juventus team news
Juventus arrives in better shape, though coach Luciano Spalletti still has some key players missing. Dusan Vlahovic is out following surgery for an adductor issue, leaving summer signing Jonathan David to take the lead. Centre-back Daniele Rugani (calf) and forward Arkadiusz Milik (long-term knee problems) are also unavailable.
Michele Di Gregorio is the first-choice goalkeeper, with Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, and Lloyd Kelly in defense. Andrea Cambiaso provides energy and width from the full-back position.
In midfield, Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram add balance behind Weston McKennie, who has moved to a more advanced spot and scored in his last three Champions League matches.
Kenan Yildiz has become a key attacking option, with Spalletti humorously noting his rising influence. Jonathan David also made an impact with a goal and an assist in wins over Benfica and Napoli, receiving praise from his coach but also a call for greater determination.
Form
Monaco
Monaco recently suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat at Real Madrid, leaving them with nine points from seven Champions League matches. They remain unbeaten at home this season after drawing with Tottenham and Manchester City and beating Galatasaray at Stade Louis-II. They currently sit 21st in the Champions League standings with nine points.
Juventus
Juventus comes off three straight Champions League wins against Pafos, Bodø/Glimt, and Benfica, as well as a significant 3-0 victory against Serie A champions Napoli. This result has strengthened their push for a top-four finish in the league, and they currently stand 15th in the UCL table with 12 points.
Predicted lineups
Monaco: Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Teze, Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Fati, Golovin; Balogun.
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; David.
How to watch Monaco vs Juventus?
In the UK, Monaco vs Juventus will be shown live on discovery+/TNT Sports.
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