Monaco vs Juventus

Monaco [DWDWL] return home eager to respond after a humbling 6-1 defeat away to Real Madrid on Matchday 7, the heaviest European loss in the club’s history and the first time they have conceded more than four goals in a continental fixture. That result underlined an inconsistent Champions League campaign in which the French side have won only two of their last ten matches (D4 L4). However, their form at the Stade Louis II tells a far more encouraging story as they look to claim a place in the playoff qualifying round. The home side have lost just one of their last seven home Champions League group stage or league phase matches (W4 D2) and are unbeaten at home in this season’s competition (W1 D2). In addition, they have kept clean sheets in their last two European games on home soil. Wednesday's showdown with Juventus will be the final test of this European campaign. There is also added intrigue in midfield, with Paul Pogba facing his former club. The Monaco midfielder enjoyed two spells at Juventus earlier in his career, scoring 34 goals in 190 appearances for the Bianconeri. Denis Zakaria is another familiar face, having made 15 appearances for Juventus across two seasons before completing a move to Monaco in the summer of 2023. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Folarin Balogun in attack is expected against the Old Lady.

Juventus [LDWWW] arrive in the Principality in strong form, buoyed by a 2-0 home victory against Benfica on Matchday 7. That result extended their winning run in the Champions League to three matches, the first time they have achieved that feat since putting together five consecutive victories across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 editions. The Bianconeri have also been consistent travellers in Europe, losing just one of their last seven away Champions League group stage or league phase matches (W2 D4). Historically, Juventus have been reliable against French opposition, suffering only three defeats in their last 15 UEFA competition matches against Ligue 1 sides (W8 D4). They would be hoping that record will see them through to the playoff qualifying round at the very least. Weston McKennie has emerged as a key attacking contributor, scoring in Juventus’ last three Champions League games. The American international now has the chance to make history, as no United States player has ever scored in four successive matches in the competition proper. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Jonathan David in attack is expected against Monaco.