AS Monaco will welcome PSG in what should be a pivotal clash in the Ligue 1 title race on Wednesday night.
AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain square off at the Stade Louis II in a clash between two of France’s heavyweights, marking Ligue 1’s final match of 2024. While PSG seek to tighten their grip on the top spot, Monaco will look to leverage their impressive home record and recent success in this fixture to pull off a significant result.
Luis Enrique’s PSG head into this clash brimming with confidence after a dominant 3-1 victory over Lyon at Parc des Princes last weekend. The result extended PSG’s lead at the Ligue 1 summit after all their nearest challengers dropped points, giving them a prime opportunity to end the year ten points clear.
PSG remain unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season and are on a remarkable 31-game unbeaten run away from home in the league. However, their last road defeat came at this very venue during the 2022-23 season, and Stade Louis II has often proven to be a difficult hunting ground for the Parisians.
Despite domestic dominance, PSG still face questions in Europe. A crucial 3-0 win at Red Bull Salzburg last week kept their Champions League hopes alive, but tougher tasks against Manchester City and VfB Stuttgart lie ahead. This midweek fixture comes during a hectic period, with a Coupe de France tie against Lens also looming large.
AS Monaco, under Adi Hutter, have turned the Stade Louis II into a fortress, with just one defeat in their last 14 home games across all competitions. Their recent record against PSG at home is impressive, winning three of their last four clashes and scoring nine goals in the process. A 0-0 draw here in March continued that strong run.
Monaco’s form, however, has taken a slight dip. A 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League was followed by a goalless draw away at Reims last weekend. That missed opportunity allowed Marseille and Lille to remain in striking distance, though they extended their cushion over Lyon.
Given their resilient home form and PSG’s demanding schedule, Monaco will feel confident about causing an upset, particularly with their solid defensive setup and ability to capitalise on big games. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
AS Monaco
Monaco will welcome Vanderson back into the starting XI at right-back after he served a suspension. However, the principality club will now be without defender Jordan Teze, who is ruled out due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
In attack, Folarin Balogun is unlikely to feature after suffering a recurrence of his shoulder injury, which has plagued him in recent weeks. Meanwhile, striker Breel Embolo was dropped from the starting XI against Reims last weekend as Adi Hutter experimented with a five-at-the-back system, handing Kassoum Ouattara a rare start.
Following their inability to break down Reims, Hutter is expected to revert to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which has been more successful for AS Monaco this season.
In goal, Radoslaw Majecki will start as the first-choice goalkeeper. The defensive line will feature Vanderson at right-back, with Thilo Kehrer and Wilfried Singo forming the central defensive pairing. On the left, Caio Henrique will provide defensive cover and attacking width when pushing forward.
In midfield, the double pivot will consist of Soungoutou Magassa and Lamine Camara, who will focus on breaking up PSG’s attacks and distributing the ball efficiently. The attacking trio supporting the lone striker will include Maghnes Akliouche on the right wing, Aleksandr Golovin as the central playmaker, and Eliesse Ben Seghir on the left wing.
Their creativity and movement will be crucial in unlocking PSG’s defence. Leading the line will be Breel Embolo, who is expected to return to the starting XI, offering physical presence and a goal threat in the final third.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Majecki; Vanderson, Kehrer, Singo, Henrique; Magassa, Camara; Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir; Embolo
PSG
Paris Saint-Germain will travel to Monaco with a fully-fit squad, barring Presnel Kimpembe, whose continued absence remains a tactical decision by Luis Enrique rather than an injury concern. Both Lucas Hernandez and youngster Senny Mayulu made their returns from recent setbacks last week, providing additional depth for the visitors.
There were notable tactical changes against Lyon, with Marquinhos being rested in favour of Lucas Beraldo, likely to keep him fresh for this encounter. Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani was left out of the squad entirely and is reportedly set to move on in the January transfer window amid his links with Premier League clubs.
The spotlight will once again be on Desire Doue, who impressed against Lyon with a standout display. Doue set up the opening goal and won the penalty for PSG’s second, earning him another opportunity to shine in a key attacking role.
Luis Enrique is expected to field PSG in their familiar 4-3-3 setup, focusing on control in midfield and dynamic attacking play. Gianluigi Donnarumma will start in goal, maintaining his place as the Parisians’ reliable shot-stopper. The backline will feature Achraf Hakimi at right-back, with captain Marquinhos partnering William Pacho at the heart of the defence. On the left, Nuno Mendes will add attacking width and defensive cover.
In midfield, Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz will provide balance, combining energy, creativity, and ball control. Zaire-Emery will take on the box-to-box role, while Vitinha and Ruiz will focus on linking play between defence and attack.
The attacking trio will see Lee Kang-in deployed on the left wing, with Ousmane Dembele on the right, bringing pace and flair to PSG’s wide areas. Desire Doue will operate as the central forward, tasked with driving into the box and linking up play, following his influential performance against Lyon.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Lee, Dembele, Doue
Key Stats
- The 16th round of Ligue 1 has been advanced to December 18, 2024, while the remaining fixtures will take place in January 2025. This makes it only the second time in the competition’s history that a matchday spans two different years without interruptions, the first occurring in the 1995-96 season.
- AS Monaco will officially become the team to have faced PSG the most times in Ligue 1 history (97 games).
- AS Monaco hold the record for the most victories against PSG in the French top flight, with 45 wins (D28 L23).
- AS Monaco are unbeaten in their last four home matches against PSG (W3 D1). No team has managed to go five consecutive home games without losing to PSG during the QSI era (since 2011), with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Rennes also matching this streak at four games.
- PSG remain unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season (W11 D4). If they avoid defeat in their 16th game, it will be the sixth time in their history they have achieved this feat, more than any other club (Lyon and St Étienne have managed it twice). Notably, the last 10 teams to remain unbeaten after 16 games have gone on to win the Ligue 1 title.
Player to Watch
Ousmane Dembele
Dembele’s dribbling ability and unpredictability in one-on-one situations make him a nightmare for defenders. He thrives on cutting inside or staying wide to stretch the opposition, creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates. His vision and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses or key passes are key assets, particularly with PSG’s fluid attacking trio alongside him.
Against AS Monaco, Dembele will likely target their defensive flanks, exploiting gaps with his direct runs and quick feet. His recent performances in Ligue 1 have seen him consistently involved in goals, and his energy on the right wing will be vital in unlocking Monaco’s resilient backline.
If PSG are to maintain their unbeaten run and secure all three points, expect Ousmane Dembele to play a central role, tormenting defenders and proving why he remains one of the most exciting attacking talents in Europe.
Prediction
AS Monaco 2-2 PSG
This fixture pits PSG’s attack, the most prolific in the league this season against Monaco’s resolute home form and counter-attacking prowess. Luis Enrique’s men will need to be at their sharpest to avoid a slip-up, as Monaco’s pace in transition and success at Stade Louis II pose a real threat. While Monaco’s home record makes this a tight contest, PSG’s attacking depth and unbeaten run give them enough ammo in what promises to be a competitive match.