After over six weeks of recess, the prestigious UEFA Champions League will return on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, as French side Monaco host England’s Aston Villa at the Stade Louis-II. Africa Football’s editor Allan Damba provides prediction and betting tips for the upcoming match.
Both teams, playing their penultimate games in the group stages of the new-look competition, will be eager to secure safe passage to the knockout rounds.
After six matches, Monaco sit 16th in the 36-team table with 10 points. Depending on results elsewhere, they could break into the top eight with a win over the Villans. On the other hand, victory for Aston Villa would guarantee them a direct spot in the Round of 16, as they currently occupy fifth place with 13 points.
The two sides come into this clash on the back of contrasting results in their last Champions League outings. While Monaco suffered a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal on December 11, Aston Villa secured a 3-2 victory away against Germany’s RB Leipzig.
Monaco recent form analysis
Monaco endured a narrow 2-1 defeat to Montpellier on Friday in Ligue 1. The result extended their winless run to four matches, during which Adi Hütter’s team has recorded two losses and two draws. Their most recent victory came on December 22, when they convincingly defeated Union Saint-Jean 4-1.
Last five games: 1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses
Latest result: Montpellier 2-1 Monaco
Aston Villa recent form analysis
In their most recent match, Aston Villa held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Unai Emery’s side remains unbeaten in their last five matches, with three wins across all competitions.
Last five games: 3 wins, 2 draws
Latest result: Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa
Head-to-head
Monaco and Aston Villa will be facing each other for the first time in a competitive fixture.
Our prediction for Monaco vs Aston Villa
Both teams will approach this game with the aim of securing a direct spot in the knockout stages. This could lead to an open match, with vulnerabilities in both defensive lines.
Betting tips:
- Both Teams to Score (YES) at odds of 1.57 on 1xBet.
- Over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.76 on 1xBet.
Player to watch
Lamine Camara: The Senegalese youngster has been one of Monaco’s standout performers this season. The central midfielder, known for his pace, power, and drive, has made 23 appearances, contributing two goals and four assists.
Best odds and betting tips
Here are the best tips for this match:
- Both Teams to Score (YES) with odds of 1.57 on 1xBet.
- Over 2.5 goals with odds of 1.76 on 1xBet.
