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AS Monaco takes on Arsenal in the Champions League, riding a comfortable 3-1 advantage after the first leg.
Monaco was breathtaking in London, putting on a fantastic counterattacking performance and staying safe at the back. The 3-1 scoreline was a little lucky though, with the crucial 3rd goal coming in the last second and with Arsenal missing a couple of huge chances in the first half (especially Giroud). All in all the hosts are in excellent form right now, losing only to PSG in the last 7 matches (5 wins, 1 draw) and proving why they won their Champions League group.
Arsenal are in fantastic form themselves, winning 12 of the last 14 matches, including a very good performance in the weekend to rout West Ham 3-0. Unfortunately for Wenger’s side they lost the most important match, the fist leg with Monaco. However, the visitors are coming in Monaco with belief that they can pull off an upset, from the manager, the players and to the fans. Arsenal will field the best available lineup and will remember two very good away performances in the UCL R16 recently, 2-0 against Bayern and 1-1 against the same Bayern – both times after a bad loss in the first leg, but both times failing to qualify.
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Team news & lineups:
Monaco will get some key players back compared to the first leg and will only miss Bakayoko, Raggi and Traore. Ferreira – Carrasco, Toulalan and Kondogbia are doubtful, but should all feature at some point. Arsenal will have to do without Diaby, Oxlade Chamberlain, Debuchy and Arteta. Wilshere, Paulista and Rosicky are doubtful.
Monaco: Subasic – Abdennour, Kurzawa, Toure, Fabinho – Toulalan, Joao Moutinho, Kondogbia – Berbatov, Bernardo Silva, Martial
Arsenal: Ospina – Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal – Coquelin, Ramsey – Cazorla, Ozil, Sanchez – Giroud
Arsenal, especially in the current form, is a side that can surely turn around a 3-1 first leg deficit. However, Monaco is looking really strong right now, so it won`t be 100% up to the Gunners – the hosts will have a word to say in this. If it weren`t for the third goal in the first leg I would have total confidence that Arsenal can qualify, but even after 1-3 I reckon there is some value to be taken on the Gunners at these kind of odds. Obviously it is a long shot, but Arsenal proved in the last years that they can get shock results on the road in UCL and they are in excellent spirits, which is always important ahead of a match like this. My tip is Arsenal to qualify. Prediction: Monaco – Arsenal 1-3 (2-4 in extra time).
Pick: Arsenal to qualify
Odds: 7.00 @ Bet365
Stake: 3
Possible profit: 18
Event date: 17 March
