AS Monaco vs Juventus: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 is nearing its climax, and today’s match between AS Monaco and Juventus at Stade Louis II is pivotal for both clubs. With the top eight teams advancing directly to the knockout stages, AS Monaco finds itself in a precarious position, ranked 21st with just eight points. After suffering a humiliating 6-1 defeat against Real Madrid last week, their chances of qualifying for the next round are dashed, thus they aim to avoid an early exit from the competition.
On the other side, Juventus, the storied “Vecchia Signora,” harbors ambitions of a top-eight finish to bypass the preliminary round. Currently ranked 15th with eleven points, Juventus seeks to climb the standings with a victory that could catapult them to sixth place, depending on other results. They aim to build on their recent success, having secured a 2-0 win against Benfica, showcasing goals from Khéphren Thuram and Weston McKennie.
Match Details and Historical Context
The encounter is set for January 28th, with various time slots across regions: 15 h (US ET), 14 h (Mexico), and 21 h (Spain). Referee José María Sánchez will oversee the match, with VAR assistance from César Soto Grado.
| Stakeholder | Impact Before | Impact After (if Juventus wins) |
|---|---|---|
| AS Monaco | Low morale, no chance for knockout stages | Potential exit from competition |
| Juventus | Positioned near elimination | Potential rise in standings and confidence boost |
| Fans | Disappointment and frustration | Renewed hope and excitement |
| Club Management | Pressure to perform | Justification for strategies, increased support |
Current Form and Squad Conditions
AS Monaco has been ravaged by injuries, complicating their lineup options. With key players like Christian Mawissa and Mohammed Salisu sidelined, they will rely on the adaptability of Jordan Teze, who is expected to fill in at center-back despite being primarily a right-back this season. Their probable lineup may feature Philipp Köhn, Thilo Kehrer, and Folarin Balogun among others, forming a 4-2-2-2 structure.
For Juventus, recent transfer rumors indicate a potential move for Spanish forward Juanlu Sánchez, while they have ruled out signing Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri due to contract doubts. Their anticipated 3-4-2-1 formation will likely include Michele Di Gregorio, Gleison Bremer, and Kenan Yildiz, hoping to utilize their depth to secure the needed points.
Predictions for the Match
Considering the defensive setups of both teams and their recent offensive struggles, it’s feasible to anticipate a match with few scoring opportunities. The styles of play could lead to a closely contested yet uneventful affair. The likely scoreline could be a cautious 0-0 draw, reflective of both teams’ need to play conservatively.
Projected Outcomes
As we look ahead, several developments are on the horizon:
- Juventus may bolster their squad at the transfer window’s close, potentially impacting their performance in subsequent fixtures.
- AS Monaco’s management may face scrutiny if they fail to perform, prompting potential changes in lineup or coaching strategies.
- The match results could significantly influence the pressure on clubs like Benfica and Napoli, further affecting Group D dynamics leading to the knockout rounds.
Ultimately, this clash between AS Monaco and Juventus not only serves as a crucial game for points but also as a reflection of each club’s identity as they navigate the pressures of elite European football.
