Prediction: Monaco vs Tottenham



Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365

Group E leaders Monaco have a chance to secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages with a win over Tottenham, who are only guaranteed to keep their qualifying hopes alive if they emerge triumphant from the high-profile clash at Stade Louis II. But, even with so much at stake, we expect to see an entertaining affair between two attack-minded sides.

Monaco

Wealthy Monaco owners surprised everyone when they decided to employ a more sensible transfer strategy following the heavy spending in the early days, and some shrewd dealings in the transfer window are already paying off. The current squad is way cheaper than the one initially assembled by Dmitry Rybolovlev and his associates, but the results have been even better than before. The return to form of star striker Radamel Falcao certainly served as a major lift for everyone at the club, but it is the entire group that has got to take credit for this year’s performances. Monaco now sit just three points behind Ligue 1 leaders Nice, but above holders PSG in the standings, while they stand a very good chance to winning the first place in their Champions League group. The Principality club are two and four points clear of Spurs and Leverkusen with two games to go, and they head into the Tottenham game in excellent spirits. Monaco have won four of last five matches, bagging no fewer than 19 goals in the process, so it goes without saying that the opposition defenders will have their work cut out for them on Tuesday evening.

Team News

The injury situation at Stade Louis II is much better than few weeks ago, as Nabil Dirar and Almamy Toure recovered from injury few days ago.

The latest reports suggest that Joao Moutinho is back in contention as well, meaning that Leonardo Jardim will have fully fit squad to select from.



Tottenham

Following some impressive showings last term, Tottenham have faced new challenges this season, and they haven’t quite managed to live up to the billing so far. Spurs appear to lack the strength in depth needed to successfully compete in English Premier League and UEFA Champions League, while injuries to star players certainly did not help. Those are the reasons why Mauricio Pochettino’s charges have performed below expectations in both England and Europe, and time is slowly running out for them to get their season back on track. Spurs were pretty fortunate to end a seven-match winless run at the weekend as they scored two late goals to defeat local rivals West Ham, but they now also need to see off Monaco if they want to remain in contention for a place in the Champions League last 16 phase. The fact that key forward Harry Kane has rediscovered his scoring boots gives the visitors reason for optimism ahead of the trip to the Principality, but poor form of summer recruit Vincent Janssen is definitely a cause for concern. With that in mind, chances are that Mauricio Pochettino will revert to 4-2-3-1 formation, and attempt to catch Monaco on the break.

Team News

Dele Alli returned into action at the weekend and he is pushing for a start, while talented youngster Harry Winks should keep his place after an excellent performance against West Ham.

Toby Alderweireld and Ben Davies are unlikely to return, but Erik Lamela could be back in contention after missing four weeks of action through injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Monaco scored 19 goals in last five matches
• They recorded a 2-1 triumph in the reverse fixture
• Both teams scored in each of teams’ last four meetings
• Monaco bagged 24 goals in last 7 home games
• Harry Kane scored 3 goals in last 2 outings

Conclusion

Monaco’s recent results are enough to suggest that attack-minded football is the only way for them, and we don’t think Leonardo Jardim will discard the approach that has worked like a charm so far. Spurs, on the other hand, need a win to stay alive, so we definitely expect to see goals galore at Stade Louis II.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365