The Matchday 2 encounter in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Monaco (France) and Manchester City (England) will be held 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 scored in the 91st minute slightly softened the blow, preventing a complete shutout. However, the outcome remains disappointing, leaving the club in 33rd place in the group stage standings after the first round. Monaco has failed to win in 6 of their last 7 Champions League matches, with 5 of those ending in defeat.
- Monaco has scored in regular time in 11 of their last 14 Champions League games.
- The team has won with a (+1.5) handicap in their 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.
Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, defender Christian Mavissa Elebi, and midfielders Aleksandr Golovin and Denis Zakaria are on the injury list. The participation of midfielders Maghnes Akliouche, Aladji Bamba, and Lamine Camara is doubtful.
Manchester City
The English side began their Champions League campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Napoli. Playing with a numerical advantage for about 70 minutes, the team allowed only one shot towards their goal. Meanwhile, Manchester City managed 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 side kept a clean sheet for the first time in 8 European matches.
- Both teams have 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 Abduqodir Khusanov and Rayan Ait-Nouri, along with forwards Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki, will miss the match due to injuries. Rodri's participation is in doubt.
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%.
Match Prediction: Monaco vs. Manchester City
A couple of weeks ago, Monaco conceded four goals against Club Brugge, a recurring issue in their defensive play. The club has allowed at least three goals in 5 of their last 7 Champions League matches. Meanwhile, Monaco rarely lets their opponents keep a clean sheet, often turning their games into goal-fests. At least three goals have been scored in 9 of Monaco's last 12 Champions League matches.
Manchester City is also known for delivering entertaining matches regardless of the outcome. The three-goal mark has been reached in 8 of their last 10 Champions League games, and in away fixtures, at least three goals have been scored in 9 of their last 10 matches. In those 9 games, not just three, but a minimum of four goals were scored.
In my view, all signs point to a high-scoring encounter. Prediction: Total over 2.5 goals
