As the UEFA Champions League group stages near their conclusion, AS Monaco and Benfica square off at the Stade Louis II in what promises to be a high-stakes e. clash. Both teams enter this match in contrasting forms but with significant motivation.
Monaco, boasting a strong home record this season, will look to build on their three-game winning streak across all competitions. Meanwhile, Benfica, who recently dismantled Estrela 7-0 in Portugal's domestic cup competition over the weekend, aim to improve their away record in France.
The historical edge favours the Portuguese visitors, who remain unbeaten in their two prior meetings with Monaco during the 2014-15 group stages. However, this iteration of the clash pits a rejuvenated Monaco, led by Adi Hütter, against a steadily improving Benfica under Bruno Lage.
AS Monaco Team News
Monaco have enjoyed a successful return to the Champions League after a six-year absence, already amassing 10 points from their opening four games. They are expected to field a strong lineup, with Lamine Camara set to return from suspension and Denis Zakaria fully fit.
The midfield duo will aim to control the tempo and disrupt Benfica’s attacking transitions. The defence could feature Caio Henrique reclaiming his left-back position, though teenage sensation Christian Mawissa Elebi is a credible alternative.
In attack, Aleksandr Golovin will shoulder creative and scoring responsibilities, supported by the young Eliesse Ben Seghir. The absence of Folarin Balogun and Krepin Diatta due to injury remains a concern, limiting options up front.
Monaco’s Predicted Lineup to face Benfica
Majecki, Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Caio Henrique; Zakaria, Camara; Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir; Embolo
Here is how the side last lined up:
Benfica Team News
Benfica travel to Monaco seeking their first Champions League win on French soil. They’ll be without Alexander Bah, sidelined with a knee injury, and could rotate key players after their domestic exploits.
Angel Di Maria, fresh off a hat trick, may feature alongside Arthur Cabral or Vangelis Pavlidis up front. Turkish internationals Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kokcu should slot into the attacking midfield trio, aiming to exploit Monaco’s defence with incisive passing.
Bruno Lage is expected to restore first-choice names like Anatolii Trubin in goal and Nicolas Otamendi in central defence. Versatile Tiago Araujo could deputise at right-back.
Benfica’s Predicted Lineup to face Monaco
Trubin; Kabore, Tiago Araujo, Otamendi, Fernandez; Aursnes, Florentino Luis, Kokcu; Di Maria, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu
Monaco 
SL Benfica 
