Monaco vs Aston Villa: Champions League Predictions, Picks and Best Bets
Monaco vs Aston Villa predictions
Aston Villa can shore up their place in the Champions League round of 16 by beating Monaco in their clash on Tuesday (12.45 ET, DAZN).
The Villans staged a dramatic comeback against Arsenal in the EPL at the weekend to earn a point at the Emirates Stadium.
Now, they turn their attention back to the Champions League, where a victory would cement their place in the top eight and an automatic berth into the last 16.
However, Monaco are only three points behind Villa in the standings and harbor their own Champions League ambitions.
They suffered a 2-1 defeat to Montpellier in Ligue 1 last Friday and had made a strong start to their UCL campaign, only to lose their last two matches against Benfica and Arsenal. Adi Hutter’s men can’t afford another setback on Tuesday.
Betting sites are favouring Monaco to get the job done on home turf, but Villa could be an appealing option at +175 on the moneyline.
Monaco vs Aston Villa Picks: Look Out For Duran Impact
Ollie Watkins made the decisive impact for Unai Emery’s men at the weekend to salvage a point against Arsenal, but he has failed to score in the Champions League this term.
Villa’s leading forward has been held in check by UCL sides, with Jhon Duran taking on the mantle in the final third with important goals in wins over Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
Before receiving a controversial straight red card against Newcastle, Duran had scored in four straight matches. He catches our eye for an impact against Monaco as Watkins could be rotated after his 80-minute stint against the Gunners.
Duran will be fresh after his suspension lay-off and could get the nod for only his 10th start of the season.
In his previous nine starts, Duran has registered at least two shots on target in five appearances. Soccer betting sites price him up at +310 to attempt two shots on target against Monaco, which looks a solid option, considering his love of a strike at goal.
Monaco vs Aston Villa prediction 1: Jhon Duran two or more shots on target - +310 Bwin
Monaco vs Aston Villa Betting: Fouls Aplenty From Hosts
Only Young Boys and Girona have given away more fouls in the Champions League this season than Monaco. Hutter’s men have conceded 80 fouls in only six matches, although they were only guilty of seven fouls in their last UCL outing against Arsenal.
The French outfit’s discipline has been shadier at the Stade Louis II more so than their travels. 43 of their infringements have come on home turf. Villa are not one to back down from a physical challenge themselves with 65 fouls to their name this term.
Using betting apps, you can find a price of +105 for Monaco to concede over 13.5 fouls in the contest. This would have paid out in two of their three home games to date.
Monaco vs Aston Villa prediction 2: Monaco over 13.5 fouls - +105 LeoVegas
