Since Hansi Flick joined FC Barcelona as the head coach, the Spanish club has been unstoppable. One year back, Barcelona were vulnerable under Xavi Hernandez. But this team looks completely different under the new boss. Barcelona are already four points clear of their closest rival, Atletico Madrid, in the league table.
The Catalan club has picked up five wins out of their first five games in La Liga. Moreover, Barcelona have been very ruthless under Flick, scoring 17 goals in just five league matches. La Liga has seen Barcelona score 11 goals in their last two games!
However, Barcelona are all set to start their mission in the UEFA Champions League tonight as they will play against Monaco away from home. A few days ago, Barcelona lost to Monaco in the pre-season match. But Hansi Flick believes it will be a different match. He said, “Now it’s a new situation, we have the Champions League now.“
Stats & Facts
- Barcelona have played only two games against Monaco in the Champions League. All these two matches came in the 1993-1994 campaign, and Barcelona won both legs in the group round against Monaco.
- Since 2017, AS Monaco have lost each of their last seven home games in the UEFA Champions League. Beforehand, they managed to win 22 of their 31 home matches in the UCL between 1993 and 2017.
- Barcelona have an excellent record in their opening games in this competition. They have won 20 of their last 28 opening matches in the Champions League.
- Barcelona have scored five goals in each of their last three opening games in the Champions League.
Team News
Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has recovered from a neck injury and should be available for the selection. But the home side will miss the service of Edan Diop and backup goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki due to their respective injuries.
As for Barcelona, they have a massive blow as Dani Olmo picked up a hamstring injury during the match against Girona. The new summer signing will be out of the team until the next international break in October. Barcelona are still without Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen due to their injuries.
Possible Lineup for Monaco:
Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Mawissa Elebi, Caio Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Minamino, Ben Seghir; Embolo
Possible Lineup for Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Eric Garcia, Pedri, Casado; Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Prediction: Monaco 0-2 Barcelona
Both Monaco and Barcelona have made a strong start to their respective league. Monaco conceded only one goal in their first four matches in League 1. Moreover, they defeated Barcelona in the pre-season.
But Barcelona have been flying under Hansi Flick. They are very aggressive and desperate to destroy their opponents. Despite Monaco’s home favor, we pick Barcelona as the winner of tonight’s clash.
Betfair Odds
Monaco: 4.80
Draw: 4.32
Barcelona: 1.69
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