The Matchday 2 encounter of the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Monaco (France) and Manchester City (England) will take place on October 1 at the Louis II Stadium in Fontvieille. Monaco vs. Manchester City: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Monaco
In their previous Champions League match, Monaco suffered a heavy defeat to Club Brugge, conceding four goals. A goal in the 91st minute slightly softened the blow, but the outcome was still quite disappointing. After the first round, the club sits 33rd in the overall stage standings. Monaco has failed to win in 6 of their last 7 Champions League matches, with 5 of those 7 games ending in defeat.
- Monaco has scored in regulation time in 11 of their last 14 Champions League games.
- The team has won with a handicap (+1.5) in the last 8 home matches in this tournament.
- The club has conceded at least one goal in 17 of their last 18 home Champions League fixtures.
Predicted lineup for Monaco (3-5-2)
Philipp Kohn – Thilo Kehrer, Eric Dier, Mohammed Salisu – Vanderson, Jordan Teze, Mamadou Coulibaly, Takumi Minamino, Caio Henrique – Folarin Balogun, Mika Biereth.
Injuries include goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, defender Christian Mavissa Elebi, and midfielders Aleksandr Golovin, Denis Zakaria, Aladji Bamba, and Lamine Camara. Midfielder Maghnes Akliouche is doubtful for the match.
Manchester City
The English side started their Champions League campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Napoli. Playing with a numerical advantage for about 70 minutes, the team allowed only one shot on their goal. Meanwhile, Manchester City took 23 shots. Despite the convincing result, the club has won only 2 of their last 8 Champions League matches (1 draw, 5 losses). Notably, Pep Guardiola's men kept a clean sheet for the first time in 8 European fixtures.
- Both teams scored in 6 of Manchester City's last 8 Champions League matches.
- The club's scoring streak in this tournament stands at 5 games.
- The English side has not won in 5 of their last 6 away Champions League matches (1 draw, 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-3-3)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Matheus Nunes, Nico O'Reilly – Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden – Savio, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland.
Defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Rayan Aït-Nouri, along with forwards Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki, will miss the match due to injuries. Rodri's participation is uncertain.
Referee
Jesus Gil (Spain)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 37;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 33%.
Monaco vs. Manchester City: Match Prediction
A few weeks ago, Monaco conceded four goals against Club Brugge, marking another instance of the team's defensive failures. The club has conceded at least three goals in 5 of their last 7 Champions League matches. Meanwhile, Monaco rarely allows opponents to keep a clean sheet, often turning their matches into high-scoring affairs. At least three goals have been scored in 9 of Monaco's last 12 Champions League games.
Manchester City is also capable of entertaining matches regardless of the outcome. The three-goal mark has been reached in 8 of the club's last 10 Champions League matches, and in away games, at least three goals were scored in 9 of their last 10 matches. In those 9 games, not just three, but at least four goals were scored.
In my opinion, there are all the prerequisites for a high-scoring encounter. Prediction – Total over 2.5 goals
