PSG vs AS Monaco
PSG can book their tickets to the Champions League Round of 16 for a 14th straight year when they host AS Monaco at Parc des Princes for the second leg of their play-off tie on Wednesday evening. The Parisiens won 3-2 against Les Monegasques in the opening leg, so they need a win or a draw to advance to the next round.
It has been an eventful week for Luis Enrique’s side. Following their win in the first leg against AS Monaco, they reclaimed the top spot in the Ligue 1 table by beating Metz 3-0, ironically, with the help of AS Monaco’s 3-2 road victory over second-seeded RC Lens last Saturday.
Save for their first-leg loss to PSG, Sebastien Pocognoli’s men are undefeated in their last three games. And at one point, they even had the Parisiens on the ropes, but they couldn’t close it out.
Talking Points
PSG sweating on Doue’s fitness
Desire Doue was instrumental behind PSG’s comeback win over AS Monaco in the first leg, and he followed it up with their opening goal against Metz last weekend. However, the 20-year-old winger exited early due to a thigh injury, although head coach Luis Enrique said it wasn’t that serious.
Doue doubled down, saying his early exit against Metz was a precaution. If things go according to plan, he’ll likely start up front again on Wednesday, likely alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Goncalo Ramos, with Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye coming off the bench.
Head coach Luis Enrique has gone with Matvey Safonov as his first-choice goalkeeper, having replaced Lucas Chevalier in their last six competitive matches. Enrique could have the back four of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pancho, and Nuno Mendes, with the last three having fresher legs after taking the day off against Metz. Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Joao Neves should form their midfield trio.
PSG’s notable absentees include Quentin Ndjantou, Ousmane Dembele, Fabian Ruiz, and Senny Mayulu, all injured. Nonetheless, the Parisiens should have enough depth and firepower to see this through.
Balogun leads the way for AS Monaco
Folarin Balogun has regained his scoring form with AS Monaco after going scoreless in the past few weeks. Before his brace against PSG in the opening leg, the American striker couldn’t buy a goal in his last eight matches across all competitions.
Balogun followed up his brace against PSG by scoring the first goal of AS Monaco’s comeback win against RC Lens. Les Monegasques were down by two when Odsonne Edouard and Florian Thauvin found the back of the net, but Balogun, Denis Zakaria, and Ansu Fati had other plans.
Sebastien Pocognoli’s AS Monaco have more injuries to deal with than PSG, as Paul Pogba, Mohammed Salisu, Takumi Minamino, and Lukas Hradecky are out with knee injuries, while Eric Dier and Christian Mawissa have hamstring concerns. Kassoum Ouattara (calf) and Maghnes Akliouche (hip) are also in the medical room, while Aleksandr Golovin must serve his suspension on Wednesday.
History
PSG and AS Monaco have been long-time rivals in Ligue 1. But believe it or not, their first leg last Tuesday marked their first-ever encounter in Europe.
Folarin Balogun’s brace gave Les Monegasques a 2-0 lead before Desire Doue pulled one back for the Parisiens. Aleksandr Golovin’s red card in the 48th minute for his challenge on Vitinha certainly didn’t help AS Monaco, and PSG completed the comeback through two more goals from Doue and Achraf Hakimi.
PSG could win seven of their last eight two-legged Champions League ties with a win on Wednesday. They have won three of their previous four second-leg games in this tournament. The Parisiens are undefeated in eight of their previous nine competitive fixtures at Parc des Princes.
Betting Tip
The Champions League 2026 odds predict PSG to advance to the next round on Wednesday. The Parisiens are at 1.24 to win, whereas Les Monegasques are huge 7.70 underdogs, and a draw – which would have PSG progress too – is priced at 5.80 in the 1X2 market.
Besides going for another PSG victory, SBOTOP punters can also expect another match filled with Champions League 2026 highlights, making alternatives like Over 3.25 at 1.59, Over 3.50 at 1.80, Over 3.75 at 2.04, and even Total Goal 4-6 at 2.11 viable.
A Correct Score of 3-2 in favour of the Parisiens – the result of the first leg – offers a tidy payout of 20.00 your bet. On the other hand, any Correct Score that has AS Monaco winning the contest offers a staggering 28.00 on your bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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