Manchester City are up against Monaco tonight after an incredible first leg which saw 9 goals being scored. Keeping a clean sheet for both teams could be the key difference tonight, which they have both struggled to do this season.
Defensive worry for Manchester City
While Manchester City’s attack on the day is red hot, their defense is exactly the opposite. Even on their day they still don’t look convincing. The fact that they have only kept 1 clean sheet in the Champions League this season only confirms this. They walk into this match 2 goals to the good but they will need to defend well in order to keep their chances of progressing
Sterling the hero?
Raheem Sterling has been City’s go to player in the Champions League having been involved in 10 goals in City’s last 9 Champions League games. 5 goals and 5 assists. Danger man? I think so. While City’s defense will need to stand up and a couple away goals provided Sterling can decide the tie.
Red hot Monaco
Only Barcelona has scored more goals(129) than Monaco(123) this season in Europe. Monaco also have fantastic record against English clubs in the knockout stages, winning all 3 of their ties. They know they need to score and score I expect them to. How many? Let’s wait and see but in-front of their home fans and in such fine form I would be very surprised if they didn’t score.
No Falcao? No problem!
There is talk that Falcao could be sidelined for tonight’s fixture after getting his . Teenage sensation Kylian Mbapp has scored 10 goals in his last 10 games and I for one cannot wait to see the young star in the making in action tonight.
Will history repeat itself?
Monaco have lost the 6 of their last 8 knockout games in the Champions League. Will this be the game that turns it around for them? Or will Manchester City, who have never lost French competition in Europe before, be able to bounce back and a place in the quarter finals?
Match details
Stadium: Stade Louis II
Time: 19.45 GMT
Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz
First Leg Score: 5-3 to Manchester City