Prediction: Monaco vs PSV

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides looking to pick up a first-leg advantage on Tuesday night, Monaco will welcome PSV to the Stade Louis II for their opening Champions League qualifying showdown.

Monaco

Starting with the hosts, after managing to secure a bronze medal finish in Ligue 1 last season, Monaco will be desperate to keep up that momentum this time around. However, while Philippe Clement’s men might open their Champions League qualifying adventure on Tuesday night, they could only sign off their pre-season preparations with a pair of downbeat displays. Including a 2-1 loss against Porto on July 23rd, the Monégasques were last seen over the weekend getting hit with a 3-1 defeat away at Premier League outfit Southampton. Nevertheless, looking to pick up a first-leg advantage on home soil, Monaco should be boosted by their continued success in front of their own supporters last season. On a run highlighted by a stunning 3-0 romp against PSG back in March, Clement’s side signed off the 2021/22 campaign by winning each of their final five Ligue 1 matchups at the Stade Louis II.

Team News

Finding the net in back-to-back friendly appearances, Aleksandr Golovin will join Youssouf Fofana in midfield.

After racking up 25 Ligue 1 strikes during that 2021/22 campaign, Wissam Ben Yedder will spearhead Monaco’s charge here.

PSV

As for the visitors, putting in a stunning display last weekend as they claimed the Dutch Super Cup thanks to an action-packed 5-3 win against Ajax, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men will find the mood in their camp at a high. After appointing the ex-Manchester United striker back in March, the Dutch giants have signed off their pre-season preparations with a flurry. Including a 2-1 victory against Spanish side Real Betis on July 23rd, the Lampen have won their last three outings by an aggregate score of 12-4. However, although PSV might make the trip to France on Tuesday night looking to pick up a first-leg advantage, it should be noted that they hold a downbeat record against their Champions League rivals. Failing to win any of their Europa League group stage meetings against Monaco last season, van Nistelrooy’s side have failed to win any of their previous four meetings against the Monégasques.

Team News

Bagging a famous hat-trick against Ajax last weekend, 24-year-old Guus Til will lead PSV’s charge on Tuesday night.

Likewise, bagging his first strike since making the move from PSG, one-time Barcelona starlet Xavi Simmons will be hoping for a start here.

Key Factors to Consider

• Monaco are unbeaten in their last four meetings against PSV across all formats, recording two wins and a pair of draws.
• PSV have won each of their last three outings by an aggregate score of 12-4.
• French international Wissam Ben Yedder recorded 25 Ligue 1 strikes last season.
• Monaco saw each of their finals six friendly matchups this summer finished with over 1.5 goals.
• Likewise, PSV have seen six of their last seven away fixtures finish with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

After claiming that action-packed 5-3 victory against Ajax last weekend and lifting the Dutch Super Cup title, PSV will be looking to lay down another real marker here. However, failing to win any of their last four meetings against Monaco across all formats, neutrals will be hoping for another lively affair on Tuesday night. With the Dutch outfit winning each of their last three outings by an aggregate score of 12-4, chances could come thick and fast at the Stade Louis II. Likewise, with Monaco signing off their pre-season preparations by seeing five of their last six contests finish with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet