Paris v. Monaco: Round 3!
Three days after making it through to the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France with a 2-0 win away to Le Mans, Paris Saint-Germain are set to return to Ligue 1 action as they welcome AS Monaco to the Parc des Princes at 21:05 on Friday night (Matchday 21). Whether it’s through the two teams’ league positions, their current form or their players to watch, here’s an overview of what awaits Les Rouge et Bleu against a Monaco side that will surely be out for revenge.
standings update
After a promising start to the season, AS Monaco went through a tricky period a few weeks ago, marked in particular by two defeats to the Parisians: at the Louis II in the league (2-4), then in Doha during the Trophée des Champions (1-0). Recently, however, the principality club have managed to turn things around and return to the Ligue 1 podium. To do so, the Rouge et Blanc were able to get on a roll against Rennes (3-2) and Auxerre (4-2). Since then, the sun has returned to the Rock, and ASM now lie third in the top flight with 37 points.
For their part, Paris Saint-Germain continue to rack up positive results on all fronts. In the Champions League against Stuttgart (1-4) and in the French Cup against Le Mans (0-2), of course, but also and above all in the league. In the last 6 matches, the capital club has taken 16 points out of a possible 18. Their latest victory in the top flight came at Brest last week (2-5). With no fewer than 50 points from 20 games, Paris sit comfortably at the top of Ligue 1, 10 points clear of second placed Marseille.
dynamics in numbers
opposing forces
Adi Hütter and his team mainly play a 4-2-3-1 system. In goal, Polish international Radoslaw Majecki returns to the action, and should therefore be preferred to his team-mate Philipp Köhn. In front of the Monaco keeper, it's former Parisian Thilo Kehrer who is once again expected to play. A key member of his team, he should be joined by Mohammed Salisu in the absence of the injured Wilfried Singo. On the right side of defence, too, there is little suspense as Vanderson is expected to start against the Parisians. The Brazilian international would be preferred to Krépin Diatta, while Jordan Teze has a quadriceps injury.
On the opposite flank, the Club du Rocher are still struggling to find the right formula. French U-21 internationals Christian Mawissa and Kassoum Ouattara are struggling to make a name for themselves, which could benefit Caio Henrique. Formerly a vital part of his team, the Brazilian international has performed less well so far this season. On the other hand, ASM still count on Denis Zakaria in midfield. The Monegasque captain has established himself as the true leader of his side, and forms a brilliant duo with Lamine Camara (2 goals and 5 assists in all competitions this season).
In midfield, France U-21 international Soungoutou Magassa could still make an appearance during the game, as should new signing Moatasem Al-Musrati, who could pull on the Rouge et Blanc shirt for the first time. The team's playmaker Aleksandr Golovin is also expected to start. Up front, Maghnes Akliouche (5 goals, 6 assists) continues to shine on the right wing. In fine form since the start of 2025, the French youngster will be one of ASM's main weapons. On the left flank, competition is fierce between Eliesse Ben Seghir (7 goals, 4 assists), who continues his meteoric rise, and Takumi Minamino (3 goals, 3 assists).
Lately, the former Liverpool striker has been the preferred option, thanks in particular to his versatility, which allows him to transform himself into a second centre-forward. However, his lacklustre performances could prompt the Monaco staff to start with Ben Seghir. In the centre-forward position, winter signing Mika Biereth, scorer of 4 goals in 3 Ligue 1 matches since his arrival, is the favourite to start at the Parc. He would be preferred to Breel Embolo (5 goals, 7 assists), while the Principality have to make do without Folarin Balogun, and it seems too soon for George Ilenikhena to compete for a starting role.