This Sunday January 5Paris Saint-Germain faces Monaco at Stadium 974 (kick-off at 17h30broadcast on DAZN) as part of the 2024 Champions Trophy. And as before each match, here is the presentation of the Parisians’ opponent, already faced on December 18 as part of the 16th day of Ligue 1.
The situation in Monaco –
The Monegasque project seemed to follow that of PSG for a few years, then it was preferred to sell the players to obtain capital gains rather than seeking to obtain the best possible team. Enough to have a lot of changes each year and somewhat complicated periods.
But Monaco seems to have found a balance with the arrival of coach Adi Hütter in July 2023 and a well-thought-out transfer window. There was also relative stability during the transfer window.
The Monegasque club is now 3rd in Ligue 1 with great solidity, play and some great offensive talents. Enough to also occupy 16th place in the Champions League with a good hope of qualification despite recent defeats.
The summer market 2024 –
Source : Transfer market.
Departures:
Arrivals:
The winter market 2024/2025 –
No departure, no arrival.
The main statistics –
This season, Monaco has the 5th best attack of the championship with 26 goals scored (the first, PSG, is at 44 and the last, Le Havre, is at 11), and has the 4e best defense with 16 goals conceded (PSG and Lens are tied for first with 14 and the last, Montpellier, is at 38).
The Monaco’s top scorer East Eliesse Ben Seghir (19-year-old attacking midfielder), with 5 goals he is 16th in the league (the first in Ligue 1 is Jonathan David with 11 goals). Maghnes Akliouche (22-year-old attacking midfielder/winger) is the best Monegasque passer with 4 assists, he is 7th in Ligue 1 (João Neves and Marco Asensio are first with 5 assists).
Monaco’s last 5 matches –
Only Monegasque possession is indicated 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 versus 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 against 16 shots (8 on target).
14/12/2024 (Ligue 1) – Reims/Monaco: 0-0. In 3-4-2-1. 64% possession. 14 shots including 3 on target versus 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 against 17 shots (12 on target).
12/22/2024 (Ligue 1) – Union Saint-Jean/Monaco: 1-4. In 4-2-3-1. 69% possession. 27 shots including 12 on target against 6 shots (2 on target).
The group and the probable team.
Absent – Mawissa, Diatta (injuries) Singo (suspension).
The team according to the press in 4-2-3-1 (L’Equipe):
Plunger
Ben Seghi – Golovin – Akliouche
Zakaria – Camara
Caio Henrique – Salisu – Kehrer – Vanderson
Old
Monaco’s style of play.
With Adi Hütter, Monaco has often implemented a very offensive and “aggressive” game. But the Monegasques have been a little more defensive this season, especially against “big” opponents. Including PSG. Even if there are good offensive assets with possible combinations and the possibility of seeking depth, which posed real problems at times in December.
Particularly with some counterattacks that the Parisians had difficulty controlling. It’s a great team, with enough to annoy the Parisians. We also clearly saw the “fight” necessary, even if we hope for arbitration which this time establishes slightly more reasonable limits.
Our video on PSG/Monaco:
