Monaco vs Benfica Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Both of these sides have a brilliant opportunity to reach the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, which would perhaps be seen as an overperformance based on domestic results.
Kick-off date/time: Wednesday 12th February, 2025: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Discovery+ / US – Paramount+
Monaco Preview: The entertaining Monaco
Former Borussia Monchengladbach boss Adi Hutter has implemented an impressive and entertaining style of football in the principality of Monaco but they have underwhelmed across all competitions since mid-autumn as they head into the knockout playoffs.
The Monegasque come into this one on the back of a 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes at the weekend. They levelled after 17 minutes via Denis Zakaria before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and an Ousmane Dembele brace in the second-half took the game away.
Benfica Preview: Frustrating in the league
Former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Bruno Lage remains in charge of a Benfica side that have been underwhelming in the Primeira Liga, despite off-field issues at both of the other members of ‘Os Tres Grandes’, Porto and Sporting CP.
The Lisbon-based giants come into this one on the back of a couple of unconvincing 3-2 victories against Estrela da Amadora and Moreirense this month, following on from an inconsistent run of form across all competitions.
Monaco Team News: Biereth available
Mika Biereth joined Monaco last month but was unavailable to play in their UEFA Champions League games. He has now been included in their European squad but will be without defender Christian Mawissa, as he is missing through suspension.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Majecki; Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Henrique; Akliouche, Zakaria, Magassa, Minamino; Biereth, Embolo
Unavailable: Mawissa (Suspended), Singo (Injured), Teze (Injured), Camara (Injured), Balogun (Injured)
Questionable:
Benfica Team News: Manu Silva a doubt
Manu Silva joined Benfica from Vitoria Guimaraes last month, beating off competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he is a doubt for this week. That is also the case for Denmark international Alexander Bah, whilst Tiago Gouveia is a definite injury absentee.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Trubin; Araujo, A. Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Luis, Kokcu; Di Maria, Pavlidis, Schjelderup
Unavailable: Gouveia (Injured)
Questionable: Bah (Injured), M. Silva (Injured)
Monaco vs Benfica Prediction
As mentioned, Monaco have put together a very entertaining style under Adi Hutter and they are expected to play with an overly attacking and aggressive system this week with the inclusion of Mika Biereth alongside Breel Embolo. Benfica’s own entertainment has been of good value, as shown by their 5-4 defeat to Barcelona at Estadio da Luz last month. With both sides sending the possibility of overachievement being secured this season, an entertaining encounter is to be expected for this one at Stade Louis II.
Monaco vs Benfica Tip: Over 2.5 goals
