After a troubled start to the Ligue 1 campaign, Monaco aim to put their struggles behind when they take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. The match schedules for Tuesday at the Stade Louis II with kickoff at 10 pm.
Monaca saw off Sparta Prague 5-1 on aggregate to move this far in the competition. On the other hand, the visitors managed a 4-2 win over Genk over two legs to reach this far.
The start to Ligue 1 is far from what Nico Kovac expected. However, main priority this week will be advancing to the Champions League group stages. Furthermore, there is much expectations in the transfer window.
From the opening six games in the Ligue 1, the camp only took on point from the opening six matches. It started with nicking a 1-0 win over Lorient while Nantes held their ground to a 1-1 draw. In addition, the Les Monegasques find themelves playing second best to Paris Saint Germaine.
On the other hand, the arrival of Sassuolo coach Roberto De Zerbi came with a lot of plenty of goals for Shakhtar Donetsk. Moreover, the 13-time Ukranian champions already have a firm hand in the domestic fight.
Their last success of Los Blancos did not gain much momentum after the side failed to progress to the knockout rounds. There is an optimstic vibe at the camp.
Monaco vs Shakhtar Donetsk Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face against each other and this marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Lorient 1-0 Monaco
- Monaco 3-1 Sparta Prague
- Monaco 1-1 Nantes
- Sparta Prague 0-2 Monaco
- Real Sociedad 2-1 Monaco
Away
- Shakhtar Donetsk 1-2 Oleksandriya
- Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 Genk
- Genk 1-2 Oleksandriya
- Lviv 0-3 Shakhtar Donetsk
- Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Inhulets
Monaco Team News
Alexander Nubel will continue operating between the sticks while Benjamin Lecomte is recovering from a mucle tear. Benoit Badiashille is unavailable for selection after picking a shoulder injury. Guillermo Maripan is fully fit again. Furthermore, he could feature with Strahinja Pavlovic.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team News
Pedrinho is out with the Brazilian attacker picking a muscle injury during the first half of their second-leg win over Genk. Junior Morales continues to recover from a cruciate ligament rupture. We expect a major reshuffle in the middle of the park from De Zerbi.
Prediction and Odds
Given the dismal form for the hosts, we expect De Zerbi to turn up for the hosts and pick a win.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Both Teams to Score
