What can Barcelona expect from AS Monaco? | OneFootball

Barcelona will kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a tricky trip away to AS Monaco. What can Hansi Flick’s side expect during their trip to the Principality?

In Europe’s top five leagues, only six teams have conceded just one goal in their domestic campaign – Monaco are one of them. Despite this being a young, expansive, and attack-minded Monaco team, there is a defensive solidity that was sorely missing last season, despite their impressive second place finish in Ligue 1.

With three wins and one draw, Les Monégasques, who despite the summer departures of Youssouf Fofana and Wissam Ben Yedder, have by-and-large maintained their quality, whilst adding depth, are high on confidence. Their recent success is the product of their attacking mindset, and despite coming up against a formidable opponent in the form of table-topping Barcelona, there is no talk of adjusting their style.

“We have [to keep our attacking style].It’s obvious that Barcelona are in top form. Going forward, we will have to do that which we know what to do,” said Monaco captain Denis Zakaria in a pre-match press conference, attended by Get Football journalist Luke Entwistle.

The Principality club’s manager, Adi Hutter, echoed the sentiment, calling for his team to “be brave” against Barcelona. As stated by Jules Koundé, Les Monégasaques are a youthful side, with a lot of intensity; that sounds a lot like Flick’s Barcelona. Monaco, therefore, will be looking to fight fire with fire.

Monaco predicted line-up v Barcelona

Philipp Kohn; Caio Henrique, Mohammed Salisu, Thilo Kehrer, Vanderson; Lamine Camara, Denis Zakaria; Aleksandr Golovin, Takumi Minamino, Maghnes Akliouche; Folarin Balogun.

GSFN | Luke Entwistle