Drawing Monaco in the Champions League First Knockout Round might have come across as a blessing at first for many Manchester City fans, yet a two-legged tie against the Ligue 1 side is anything but easy.
Pep Guardiola might be going a bit over the top by saying Leonardo Jardim’s men are ‘favourites’ to go through, but the possibility of getting knocked out shouldn’t be discarded.
Currently second in the French league, Monaco have already scored 53 goals in 17 league games this season, and have beaten teams 7-0 twice this season in all competition.
Extremely prolific in front of goal, Manchester City might also struggle to break them down, as demonstrated by their 16 goals conceded in 17 Ligue 1 matches, and that’s why some people are adamant Pep Guardiola’s side could go out early in the Champions League.
One of these happens to be Lyon’s president, Jean-Michel Aulas, speaking to RMC, relayed by Onze Mondial.
He said: “They’ve produced some incredible performances. I’m very happy that Monaco were drawn against a great team in the Champions League that caused many problems to PSG last year.
“I’m convinced they will knock Manchester City out. Monaco are really having a perfect season.”
Considering the Premier League side’s recent struggles (two wins in their last five games), who knows what could happen when the two sides meet in February.
Then again, a lot can change over the next couple of months, and Manchester City might go on an incredible winning streak while Monaco’s rampant form could suddenly come to a halt.
If the two sides were to meet tomorrow, however, a lot of people would bank on a Monaco win.
