In-form French side AS Monaco play host to Serie A champions Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at Stade Louis II looking to stun one of competition’s biggest favourites and continue their brilliant run of form in a game of many contrasts.

Magnificent Monaco

Leonardo Jardim’s charges have been one of the biggest surprises in Europe this season. Their brilliant form has seen them become the highest scoring team, which comes as a wonderful surprise for the youngest side in Europe’s elite club competition. AS Monaco have not only taken Europe by storm, but the Principality club are also pushing hard in the Ligue 1 and appear to be on path to crush PSG’s dominance at the domestic stage. AS Monaco’s story truly is a remarkable one. The club has gone from big spender and underachiever to young and exciting squad which has been able to dispatch richer and more illustrious sides in the competition – Manchester City and most recently Borussia Dortmund. The French hot-shots are boasting a well-balanced side filled with experienced international stars such as Radamel Falcao – who is back to his very best – and exciting youth talent pool led by Kylian Mbappe. The 18-year-old sensation has been dubbed the next Thierry Henry has blossomed this season and already has a number of Europe’s biggest club on his trail. Boosted by their incredible season thus far, AS Monaco head into the Juventus clash high on confidence and eager to continue their flying home form which saw them lose only two matches entire season – none of which came in the Champions League.

Gabriel Boschilia continues to miss out due to his knee injury, whereas Leonardo Jardim will be sweating over the fitness of Tiemoue Bakayoko, Guido Carillo, Pierre-Daniel Nguinda Ndiffon and Djibril Sidibe.

Juventus eyeing the trophy

The Serie A champions Juventus have been made firm favourites to advance into the final, but Max Allegri know better than to underestimate his French rivals. Bianconeri have been tipped by many to emerge winners of this year’s edition of the Champions League, which remains their biggest dream. The Italian giants have been making strong pushes in the competition over the past couple of years and are determined to finally make the biggest step and lift the coveted trophy. Bianconeri are well aware this might be the best chance they will have and have invested all of their powers to make it happen. Juventus have been absolutely dominant since switching to 4-2-3-1 system in January as Allegri’s tactical change has drawn the best out of the team’s attacking potential. Paulo Dybala has been in particularly impressive form this season which has seen the talented Argentine star show most of his exciting potential. Juventus are one of the most organised teams in Europe and their impressive attacking exploits have been backed by rock-solid foundations in the back. Bianconeri have conceded only 2 goals in 10 Champions League games which is remarkable. Their morale-boosting win over Barcelona in the previous round will have done wonders for the team spirit and Monaco face a serious challenge against Bianconeri.

Max Allegri will have no major issues ahead of the clash as Marko Pjaca and Daniele Rugani are the only two unavailable players for the trip to Stade Louis II.

Conclusion

The highest-scoring side lock horns with the strongest defence lines in the competition. AS Monaco will need to find the way to break the Italian wall, which will be easier said than done. The hosts will have to worry about counter-attacks as well which is only one of the aspects making this game hard to predict.

Top pick: Both teams to score – No   2.25 (5/4) @BetVictor

Alternative pick 1: Under 2.5 goals   1.95 (19/20) @Betfair

Alternative pick 2: Draw   3.5 (5/2) @PaddyPower