Monaco vs Galatasaray preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

Monaco have not been firing on all cylinders this season, and sit 23rd in the League Phase standings after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Pafos.

They are three points behind Galatasaray, who hold the 14th spot despite a recent 1-0 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise.

Monaco were left disappointed on matchday five, conceding a late own goal in Cyprus in a game they seemed to have under control. That result has put their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage in serious jeopardy, as they now cling to a qualifying spot only by goal difference with three matches left to play.

Galatasaray's momentum was halted by a defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise, ending a seven-match unbeaten home run in the Champions League.

Okan Buruk will be delighted to have Nigerian goal-machine Victor Osimhen, who scored twice at the weekend, and will certainly fill the Galatasaray fans with confidenc.

The visitors come into this match on the back of a 3-2 win over Samsunspor, however, securing results in France has historically been a challenge for Galatasaray. They have won just two of their previous 11 European away games against Ligue 1 sides, losing seven.

Monaco have faced Galatasaray on six previous occasions in the European Cup/UCL, winning half of those meetings (W3, D1, L2).

Monaco will likely be without Eric Dier due to a calf strain. Additionally, Aleksandr Golovin and Mohammed Salisu are both one yellow card away from suspension and will need to be cautious.

Galatasaray are expected to be missing Enes Buyuk because of a shoulder issue. Former Monaco players Ismail Jakobs and Wilfried Singo are dealing with calf and hamstring strains, respectively, while Kaan Ayhan is a doubt with a groin injury. The visitors will also be without the suspended trio of Arda Unyay, Eren Elmali, and Metehan Baltaci.

All eyes will be on Victor Osimhen, who is in scintillating form, having scored six goals in his last three Champions League appearances, including a hat-trick in their most recent away fixture.

Monaco:Hradecky; Henrique, Kehrer, Salisu; Teze, Camara, Pogba, Minamino; Akliouche, Golovin; Balogun

Galatasaray:Cakir; Sallai, Bardakci, Sanchez; Torreira, Gurpuz, Sara; Sane, Gundogan, Yilmaz; Osimhen

Monaco have developed a habit of dropping points from winning positions. Their current lack of confidence could prove costly once again, making a draw the most likely outcome in this tightly contested match.

• Over 2.4 total goals

• Victor Osimhen to score anytime