Real Madrid vs Monaco preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

With two matches left for the UCL group phase,  Los Blancos' goal will be to finish in the top 8 of the group to automatically qualify for the round of 16, while Monaco will want to at least maintain their current position on the table to qualify for play off.

The Champions League is Los Blancos' heritage as the Spanish giants have won the competition a record 15 times, which is more than twice the number won by the next team, AC Milan (7). Things are also looking good for Madrid this season as they are currently in the top 8 spot on the table.

However, this fixture will be a great test for Alvaro Arbeloa, who just recently took charge of the Madrid team after Xabi Alonso left. His first match in charge saw his side knocked out of the Copa del Rey, but his team quickly bounced back with a 2-0 victory against Levante on Saturday.

Monaco will come into this fixture not only as the underdogs but also in disarray, following their most recent results. The French team suffered 4 successive defeats in the Ligue 1, with the latest being a 3-1 loss against Lorient.

However, Sebastien Pocognoli and his men will hope to upset their host and get a good result away from home. This is important for the team if they wish to maintain their current 19th position on the UCL table and stand a chance to qualify for the next round of the competition.

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Both teams have only met twice in the Champions League, with both ties evenly contested. The first match ended 4-2 in favour of Real Madrid, while the second leg ended 3-1 in favour of Monaco.

Being in charge of Madrid has not been easy for Arbeloa, as the Spaniard is currently dealing with plenty of injury concerns in the defence. Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Eder Militao are all out injured.

With Kylian Mbappe back to the fold, the attack is strengthened and will see his partnership with Brazilian stars Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo cause threats to the French side's defence.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Salisu, Paul Pogba, and Takumi Minamino will not be available for selection for the Monaco side due to injuries. However, Pocognoli will be delighted with the return of Barcelona loanee, Ansu Fati, who came off the bench against Lorient and scored the only goal for the team.

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius

Monaco (3-2-4-1): Kohn; Kehrer, Dier, Teze; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Biereth, Golovin, Henrique; Balogun

Despite the fact that Real Madrid are not that consistent and have a new man in charge, the odds on Livescorebet and other betting platforms still go in their favour against Monaco.

While the Spanish giant will likely get the edge in this fixture, we can't put it past Monaco to at least score a goal. This is because the French side has scored in their last 4 matches, and Madrid has conceded in 4 of their last 5 matches.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Monaco

• Bet on Real Madrid to win

• Both teams to score - Yes.

• Kylian Mbappe to score.