Villarreal host 2004 Uefa champions League finalist ‘Monaco” for the first leg of their Uefa Champions group Stage qualification clash.
Villarreal are in search of their first Uefa champions group stage ticket since the they last appeared in 2011/2012 edition. The yellow submarine will be looking forward to replicate the great show they pulled in this stage of the competition in 2011/2015 season, when the defeated Denmark based side ‘Odense Fc” 4-0 over 2 legs to book what was their last appearance in the prestigious competition.
Monaco defeated Fernabahce to book their plays in the last play-off before the Group Stage. The French giant and 2004 UCl finalist pulled a great performance at home to turn thing around in a close battle with the Turkish side.
Villareal vs Monaco: Key Facts
- Villareal maintains 3 games losing streak going into their first Uefa Champion League game since 2011/2012 season
- Villareal maintains 4 straight games winning streak in 4 European competitive game (i.e. Europa league), and haven’t lost a game to any French team at home
- Monaco has 1 win in their last 5 games, and this win was produced in their qualification game against Fernabahce
- Monaco have lost 7 of their last 8 clashes against a Spanish side away
Villareal: Team News
Garcia Toral Marcelino will be missing is top amn for tis clash against Monaco. Roberto Soladao suffered a tear on is right knee during is side re-season clash with Deportivo la Coruna.
Villareal: Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2)
Asenjo: Bonera, Costa, Ruiz, Mario: Soriano, Santos, Ndiaye, Mauel- Pato, Bakambu
Monaco: Team News
Jardim Leonardo decided to drop two of his top (i.e. Falcao & Germain) in their league game against Guingamp. In addition, 39 years old Italian goal keeper “ De Sanctis” won’t be available for this game due to injury issue.
Monaco: Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2)
Subasic: Sidibe, Raggi, Glik, Mendy: Fabinho, Moutinho, Dirar, Lemar: Falcao, Germain.
Villareal Vs Monaco: Head to Head
Both sides haven’t met in the 21st century, and since the beginning of a new era in club European competition.
However, Villarreal have a lot of good experience playing French side. The yellow Submarine, have yet to loss any game in the 4 times they have met a French team in the competition.
Moreover, Monaco has more experience locking horns with Spanish club compared to Villarreal experience with French side. The French giant has recorded 18 meeting with Spanish club, winning 6, losing 8, and 6 ending in a draw.
Villareal Vs Monaco: Prediction
Villarreal will be playing a fully fit Monaco side, has the french club have been involve in more competitive game than them.
However, the massive support of the fan who will be the 12th man could push Villarreal all the way to a maximum point. Monaco will be looking to start a new form of great performance in their visit to play as Spanish club. The French giant has lost 7 times in their last 9 away games with Spanish side.
Therefore, it will be an evenly poised clash with 50:50 chance of victory for both side getting the maximum point in this first leg
BETTING VIA (NaijaBet.com)