Pafos welcome Monaco to the Alphamega Stadium for a match-day five fixture in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. The hosts are aiming to build on their home form, while the French side are looking to bounce back from recent stumbles.
Pafos have picked up just one win from their four league phase matches so far and are in the mix for the playoffs. That win came in their previous fixture as they earned a 1-0 home victory over Villarreal.
The Cypriots are showing some good form at the moment and are unbeaten in three of their last four matches. Juan Carcedo's men have also won four of their last five home matches, including a 2-1 victory over Aris in a domestic fixture last weekend.
Monaco have a similar record to the hosts and also claimed their first league phase win last time out. They picked up a 1-0 victory at Bodo/Glimt, with Folarin Balogun netting the only goal.
However, Monaco have struggled since then, losing their last two matches, including a 4-1 defeat at Rennes in a domestic fixture last Saturday. The good news for Sebastian Pocognoli’s men is that they had been unbeaten in three away matches prior to the trip to the Allianz Riviera.
How the bookies view it: Monaco on top
Despite their recent struggles, Monaco remain overwhelming favourites among the bookies, with a win priced at 8/13 by William Hill. Pafos are considered outsiders at 4/1 by Betfred, while a draw is set at odds of 16/5 by Paddy Power.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first-ever meeting between Pafos and Monaco.
Players to watch: Eyes on Fati
Ansu Fati has caught the eye for Monaco this season, scoring five goals in all competitions. He will be the one to watch for the visitors (Ansu Fati anytime goalscorer – valued at 6/4 with Betfred).
Pafos also have quality going forward, with Anderson Silva scoring four goals in all competitions this season. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on for the hosts (Anderson Silva anytime goalscorer – priced at 3/1 with bet365).
Probable line-ups:
Ken Sema is the only absentee for Pafos, with the midfielder currently sidelined with injury. Anderson Silva should feature in attack once again, while veteran defender David Luiz is set to continue at the back.
Monaco are without Eric Dier and Christian Mawissa, who are both ruled out due to injury. Paul Pogba made his long-awaited debut at Nice and could earn some more minutes on Tuesday, while Fati should line up in attack.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in four of Pafos' last six matches (BTTS YES – offered at 4/6 by Ladbrokes). Five of Monaco’s last seven away matches have produced over 2.5 goals – available at 8/13 on bet365.
Pafos have scored first in four of their last five home matches (Pafos to score first – set at odds of 17/10 with William Hill.
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