This Sunday, January 5, Paris Saint-Germain take on Monaco at Stadium 974 (kick-off 5.30pm, broadcast on DAZN in France) as part of the Trophée des Champions 2024. And as before every match, here’s a presentation of the Parisians’ opponents, who we already faced on December 18 as part of Ligue 1 matchday 16.
Monaco’s situation –
Monaco’s project seemed to follow that of PSG for a few years, then it was decided to sell players for capital gains rather than try to build the best possible team. As a result, there were a lot of changes every year, and some rather complicated periods.
But Monaco seems to have regained its balance with the arrival of coach Adi Hütter in July 2023 and a well thought-out mercato. In fact, there has been relative stability during the mercato.
The Monegasque club is now 3rd in Ligue 1, with great solidity, good play and some great attacking talent. They are also in 16th place in the Champions League, with a good chance of qualifying despite recent defeats.
The 2024 summer mercato –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
The 2024/2025 winter mercato –
Departures :
Arrivals :
Key statistics –
This season, Monaco have the 5th best attack in the league with 26 goals scored (the leaders, PSG, are on 44 and the last, Le Havre, is on 11), and have the 4th best defense with 16 goals conceded (PSG and Lens are tied on 14 and the last, Montpellier, is on 38).
Monaco’s top scorer is Eliesse Ben Seghir (19-year-old attacking midfielder), who is 16th in the league with 5 goals (Ligue 1’s top scorer is Jonathan David with 11). Maghnes Akliouche (22-year-old attacking midfielder/winger) is Monaco’s top passer with 4 assists, ranking 7th in Ligue 1 (João Neves and Marco Asensio are first with 5 assists).
Monaco’s last 5 matches –
Only Monaco’s possessioa is shown and Monaco’s shots are put first (when data is available).
07/12/2024 (Ligue 1) – Monaco/Toulouse: 2-0. In 4-2-3-1. 59% possession. 19 shots including 5 on target vs. 6 shots (3 on target).
11/12/2024 (Champions League) -Arsenal/Monaco: 3-0. In 4-2-3-1. 45% possession. 7 shots including 2 on target vs. 16 shots (8 on target).
12/14/2024 (Ligue 1) – Reims/Monaco: 0-0. In 3-4-2-1. 64% possession. 14 shots, including 3 on target, against 8 shots (0 on target).
12/18/2024 (Ligue 1) – Monaco/PSG: 2-4. In 4-2-3-1. 39% possession. 15 shots including 5 on target versus 17 shots (12 on target).
22/12/2024 (Ligue 1) – Union Saint-Jean/Monaco : 1-4. In 4-2-3-1. 69% possession. 27 shots (12 on target) vs. 6 shots (2 on target).
The squad and probable line-up.
The team according to the press in 4-2-3-1 (L’Equipe):
Absents – Mawissa, Diatta (blessures) Singo (suspension).
L’équipe selon la presse en 4-2-3-1 (L’Equipe) :
Embolo
Ben Seghi – Golovin – Akliouche
Zakaria – Camara
Caio Henrique – Salisu – Kehrer – Vanderson
Köhn
Monaco’s style of play.
With Adi Hütter at the helm, Monaco often played an aggressive, attacking game. But the Monegasques have been a little more defensive this season, especially against their “big” opponents. Including PSG. Even if they do have some nice attacking assets, with possible combinations and the ability to go deep, which caused real problems at times in December.
In particular, the Parisians found it hard to control a few counter-attacks. They’re a fine team, with plenty to trouble the Parisians. We also saw the necessary “fight”, even if we’re hoping for a referee who will set more reasonable limits this time.
