A goal in the final five minutes of the first meeting of these two teams last week might prove to be a killer to AS Monaco. The French side needs to draw two goals back if it is to advance to the Champions League group stage against Valencia on Tuesday.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Not surprisingly, Monaco is the favorite in this match, knowing that it needs to go for broke. A one-goal loss won't be the end of the world for Valencia, nor would a two-goal loss if the Spanish side scored twice.
That said, Monaco is +125 on the moneyline. What's interesting about this is the oddsmakers at BookMaker have put together an Asian Handicap of PK -168, a peculiar betting line which almost begs for betting action on the French club.
The total feels like it should be a little higher than this after a four-goal effort on Spanish soil. The number to beat is just 2.5 with vig on the under coming in at a lofty -145.
THE FIRST MEETING
It isn't often that we see French players leave their home to play for clubs anywhere else in Europe, but Sofiane Feghouli was one of the rarities. He came back to strike against Monaco, scoring the lethal third goal which might ultimately put this duel out of reach for the Red and Whites.
Valencia though, was the better team from the get-go. The Oranges were always on the front foot in the opening match, and only a Mario Pasalic goal for Monaco was a major setback at the Mestalla.
The only thing we'll say about Valencia's play is that it was a bit sloppy. There were situations where minor turnovers turned into big opportunities for Monaco, and if that continues here at the Stade Louis II, this could end up being a match after all.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We played well, and it was essential to win today. This match has been on our minds for a long time. I really value the win, the effort of the players and the support of our fans. We needed that character to go and score goals when we were not playing well. To overcome a team whose preparation is more advanced takes character and a great effort from the players. We will go to Monaco to compete. We know what awaits us. Nothing is decided, and we will go with the same mission as we had today – to try to win the game. There are no favorites." – Valencia manager Nuno Espirito Santo following the 3-1 win over Monaco last week
RECENT FORM
Valencia has only played in two matches thus far this year. That opening win against Monaco was truly outstanding, but a draw in the team's opening La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano was a reminder of just how tough things can be on the road.
Monaco has really had to scratch and claw this year. The team made it through a two-legged affair with Young Boys from Switzerland in the UCL just to make it to this one. The Ligue 1 season is also three matches old as well. The Red and Whites are 1-2-0 to show for their work in those matches. It should be noted that a 1-1 draw at Tolouse wasn't a bad result for Monaco.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Monaco isn't the better of these two teams in this fixture as we see it, and we think this match is going to end up being drab as a result.
Valencia is going to part the bus in front of goal for the most part in this one, and with a strong defense which hasn't really allowed much of anything this year, it'll be tough for Monaco to score.
Maybe the French side gets a goal, but we see this being an under affair regardless.
Monaco 1, Valencia 0
BookMaker has live Champions League odds for every clash of the season. You can find a moneyline price on AS Monaco of +125 and a total of 2.5 right now! BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer game now!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The fixture between AS Monaco and Valencia will take place at 2:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at the Stade Louis II. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
