Monaco vs Tottenham Hotspur

The UEFA Champions League group stage encounter between AS Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur will take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Stade Louis II in Fontvieille, Monaco. Kick-off is set for 20:00 BST, with the Principality preparing for a crucial night of European football. Both sides come into the game needing points to strengthen their position in the group. The setting at Stade Louis II, known for its tight atmosphere and demanding supporters, will provide a challenging backdrop for Tottenham as they aim to maintain their form away from home.

Monaco enter the match with several injury concerns that could influence coach Sébastien Pocognoli’s tactical choices. Goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký, defenders Eric Dier and Vanderson, and midfielders Denis Zakaria and Lamine Camara are all unavailable due to injuries. These absences leave significant gaps in both defense and midfield, forcing Monaco to rely on rotation options and possibly younger players. Tottenham are also facing fitness challenges: Cristian Romero remains doubtful with a muscle issue, Destiny Udogie is unlikely to feature, and midfielders Yves Bissouma and James Maddison are still sidelined. Wingers Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Drăguşin are also not expected to play. With both teams affected by absences, depth and substitutes could play a defining role as the match progresses.

Tactically, Sébastien Pocognoli will likely focus on a more compact and reactive setup. Given Monaco’s defensive instability in recent weeks, a cautious 4-4-2 or 3-4-2-1 system seems probable, with the aim of maintaining structure and relying on the speed of attackers like Ansu Fati to hit Tottenham on the counterattack. Pocognoli is expected to prioritize defensive discipline and quick transitions rather than prolonged possession. Tottenham, led by Thomas Frank, are expected to maintain a high-pressing game built on fast transitions and attacking width. Despite missing key players, Frank’s approach emphasizes intensity and collective organization, with Tottenham likely to exploit spaces behind Monaco’s full-backs when countering.

In the build-up to the match, the press has highlighted the contrasting dynamics between the two teams. Monaco’s struggles in defense have been a recurring theme in French media, while English outlets view Tottenham as slight favorites despite their injury list. Commentators note that Monaco must use their home advantage wisely and rediscover their attacking sharpness to avoid slipping further behind in the group standings. Tottenham’s recent away record in European competition has been praised, with several journalists suggesting that their tactical discipline and quick forward play could give them the upper hand.

Studio analysts have focused on a few decisive elements heading into the match. For Monaco, the key issue is how well they can protect their weakened back line and maintain compactness without sacrificing attacking intent. Tottenham’s analysts, meanwhile, emphasize the need for adaptability in midfield and composure when building from the back given their missing starters. Discussions have centered on the importance of set pieces, pressing structure, and late substitutions in determining the outcome. The general consensus is that this will be a closely fought tactical battle — one that could hinge on defensive organization, the timing of substitutions, and which side handles the physical demands better in the later stages of the match.

Watch and Download Monaco vs Tottenham Hotspur full match replay and highlights, At Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The match played at Stade Louis-II, in Champions League, UEFA.

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