Paris - Monaco: An elite level clash!
On the eve of their clash with AS Monaco in the 2024 Trophée des Champions on Sunday 5th January at the Stadium 974 in Doha (5.30pm), we take a closer look at the titanic clash in French football that awaits the Parisians. We'll look at the dynamics of the game, the players to watch and an overview of the match that awaits our Rouge and Bleu against a Monegasque side with a vengeance.
dynamics in numbers
opposing forces
Adi Hütter and his team will be playing mainly with a 4-3-3 system. In goal, Philipp Köhn is once again expected to start against the Parisians, while Polish international Radoslaw Majecki is back in Monaco's squad. In central defence, former Parisian Thilo Kehrer is expected to be present, as he continues to establish himself as a defensive stalwart despite recent lacklustre performances. Alongside him, Côte d'Ivoire international Wilfried Singo will not be able to take his place due to suspension, and should be replaced by Mohammed Salisu.
On the right of defence, Brazilian international Vanderson has already proved his worth. And if he is preferred to his compatriot Caio Henrique or France U-21 international Kassoum Ouattara on the opposite flank, then Dutch international Jordan Teze could replace him there. In midfield, captain Denis Zakaria should start this time. A true pillar of Monaco's midfield, the presence of the Swiss international could well transcend the spine of his team.
It remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to start the match at Stadium 974. If not, then Soungoutou Magassa would be the favourite to replace him in a midfield that should also feature 21-year-old Lamine Camara. In a naturally more attacking role, Russian international Aleksandr Golovin should provide the link with Monaco's attack. It should come as no surprise to see Maghnes Akliouche (4 goals and 5 assists in all competitions) on the right wing and Eliesse Ben Seghir on the left (7 goals, 4 assists).
A golden generation of youngsters who have dazzled Ligue 1 with their talent in recent months, so much so that former Liverpool winger Takumi Minamino has been relegated to the role of luxury joker. In attack, Breel Embolo (4 goals, 5 assists), who scored against Paris in mid-December, should once again start in the absence of the injured Folarin Balogun. The promising George Ilenikhena (3 goals, 2 assists) could also make an appearance.
