Prediction: Arsenal vs Monaco – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts

Verdict: Arsenal to score in both halves

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Turning their attention back to Champions League duties on Wednesday night, Arsenal will welcome Monaco to north London.

Arsenal

Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have come flying out of the traps after returning from November’s international break, the Gunners missed out on the chance to make up some crucial ground in the Premier League title chase. Despite mounting a second-half comeback away at Fulham on Sunday afternoon as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate in west London, Mikel Arteta’s men are seeking an immediate response here. Last seen in Champions League action laying down a heavyweight marker as they claimed a 5-1 romp away at Sporting Lisbon, Arsenal are sat in the driving seat to punch a knockout stage ticket. Excited to make a return to north London in midweek, the Gunners will be excited by their continued success on home soil. Including a 2-0 victory against historic rivals Manchester United last week, Arteta’s side have not suffered a single defeat at the Emirates across any competition since the middle of April.

Arsenal Team News

Both once again missing out at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon, the defensive duo of Gabriel and summer recruit Riccardo Calafiori remain doubtful here. Likewise, yet to feature since returning from November’s international break, Ben White will not feature in north London.

Already notching a pair of Champions League strikes this season and recording three goals since returning from November’s fortnight interval, England international Bukayo Saka will play a leading role in the final third. Jakub Kiwior will partner William Saliba at the back.

Monaco

As for the visitors, making a welcomed return to winning ways last weekend as they clinched a 2-0 victory at home against Toulouse, Monaco will be looking to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, although Adi Hutter’s men might still find themselves battling it out at the top of the Ligue 1 table, Le Rocher are seeking some recent stability. Opening December with a 2-1 loss at the hands of domestic rivals Marseille, Wednesday’s guests also suffered a major Champions League collapse last time out. Eventually falling to what was an action-packed 3-2 loss at home against Portuguese giants Benfica, Monaco are also seeking some crucial defensive steel. Mustering just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six matchups across all competitions, Hutter’s side will be bracing themselves for a real challenge here.

Monaco Team News

Suffering an injury setback and missing out against Toulouse over the weekend, former Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun remains a doubt on Wednesday night. Likewise, yet to feature once returning from November’s international break and still dealing with a recent muscle issue, Senegal international Krepin Diatta will not play any part.

Handed a full rest on Saturday afternoon, one-time Chelsea loanee Denis Zakaria should be handed a full recall. Recording a first goal since the end of October last weekend, Swiss marksmen Breel Embolo will lead the line in north London.

Arsenal vs Monaco Key Factors to Consider

• Both Arsenal and Monaco have collected 10 points from their first five Champions League appearances this season.
• Arsenal have not suffered a single defeat in north London across all competitions since the middle of April.
• The Gunners have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their last eight appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Monaco have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous six appearances.
• England international Bukayo Saka has recorded three goals since returning from November’s international break.

Conclusion

Eventually forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Fulham last weekend, Arsenal will be seeking an immediate response here. Excited to make a return to north London on Wednesday night, the Gunners have continued to shine with their performances at the Emirates. Last seen on home soil collecting a 2-0 win against historic rivals Manchester United, Arsenal have not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the middle of April. Looking to widen their buffer in the knockout stage chase, we are backing a home victory here.

Verdict: Arsenal to score in both halves 

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet