Monaco vs Aston Villa: Champions League Showdown Preview

Aston Villa’s Road to the Champions League Last 16
Aston Villa travel to Monaco on Tuesday evening for their penultimate match in the Champions League group stage. Unai Emery’s side has impressed on their return to Europe’s premier competition, securing four wins from six games so far, including a standout 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich. A 3-2 triumph over RB Leipzig in their last European fixture has put them on the brink of qualification for the last 16.

Domestically, Villa displayed resilience in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Arsenal, battling back from two goals down. Their Champions League form suggests they are ready for another decisive European night.

Monaco’s Struggles in 2025
Monaco’s recent form has dipped significantly, with back-to-back Champions League defeats leaving them reliant on the knockout play-offs to advance. After a promising start under Adi Hutter, they’ve faltered in the new year, most recently suffering a disappointing 2-1 loss to Ligue 1’s bottom club, Montpellier.

Match Details

• Location: Stade Louis II, Fontvieille, Monaco
• Date: Tuesday, January 21
• Kick-off Time: 17:45 GMT / 12:45 ET / 09:45 PT

Head-to-Head Record
This is the first competitive meeting between Monaco and Aston Villa.

Monaco’s Predicted Lineup
Monaco may have to rely on Breel Embolo to lead their attack due to injuries to Folarin Balogun and George Ilenikhena. Denis Zakaria and Wilfried Singo are also doubts.

Monaco (4-2-3-1):

Majecki; Vanderson, Salisu, Kehrer, Henrique; Camara, Magassa; Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir; Embolo.

Aston Villa’s Predicted Lineup
Unai Emery has options to rotate his squad, with John McGinn back in training and Donyell Malen pushing for his debut. Lucas Digne is likely to start, while Ollie Watkins may be rested.

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1):

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, Duran, Rogers.

Score Prediction: Monaco 1-3 Aston Villa
While Monaco’s youthful energy and attacking flair may cause moments of trouble for Villa, Emery’s tactical expertise and his team’s composure in Europe should see them secure a vital win to confirm their place in the round of 16.