Barcelona will kick off their Champions League campaign under new manager Hansi Flick with an away match against AS Monaco on Thursday. The Catalan giants are riding high in La Liga, scoring an impressive 17 goals in their first five games, showcasing a potent attack led by Robert Lewandowski, who has netted four times. With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha providing width, and Dani Olmo orchestrating play in the middle, Barcelona’s offensive prowess looks formidable.
Monaco, meanwhile, has had a steady start to their Ligue 1 season, anchored by a solid defense. However, this matchup will be a significant test for them, as they have yet to face a team with Barcelona’s attacking firepower.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, September 19
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Stade Louis II, Monaco
- Live Stream: Paramount+
Odds
- Monaco: +320
- Draw: +300
- Barcelona: -135
League Phase Schedule
Monaco:
- Barcelona (h)
- Dinamo Zagreb (a)
- Crvena zvezda (h)
- Bologna (a)
- Benfica (h)
- Arsenal (a)
- Aston Villa (h)
- Inter (a)
Barcelona:
- Monaco (a)
- Young Boys (h)
- Bayern Munich (h)
- Crvena zvezda (a)
- Brest (h)
- Borussia Dortmund (a)
- Benfica (a)
- Atalanta (h)
Team News
Monaco:
Monaco enters the match with a near-full squad, missing only Radoslaw Majecki and Edan Diop. Folarin Balogun, the American striker, has struggled to secure a starting spot, managing only three appearances without a goal this season. His lack of playtime will be closely monitored by U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Possible Monaco XI:
Philipp Kohn, Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, Caio Henrique, Lamine Camara, Denis Zakaria, Maghnes Akliouche, Aleksander Golovin, Takumi Minamino, Breel Embolo.
Barcelona:
Dani Olmo will miss the match, presenting an opportunity for Ferran Torres to step up. Torres, who was sent off late in the previous match against Girona, will be looking to regain his form. With Raphinha capable of playing centrally, Torres may shift to the wing. Fermin Lopez is also unavailable due to fatigue from participating in multiple summer tournaments.
Possible Barcelona XI:
Marc-André ter Stegen, Alex Balde, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde, Pedri, Marc Casado, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski.
As both teams prepare for this exciting clash, fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with attacking football and strategic battles on the pitch.
Related queries:
Philipp Kohn
Vanderson
Thilo Kehrer
Mohammed Salisu
Caio Henrique
Lamine Camara
Denis Zakaria
Maghnes Akliouche
Aleksander Golovin
Takumi Minamino
Breel Embolo
FC Barcelona Possible XI:Marc-André ter Stegen
Alex Balde
Inigo Martinez
Pau Cubarsi
Jules Kounde
Pedri
Marc Casado
Ferran Torres
Raphinha
Lamine Yamal
Robert Lewandowski