In what promises to be an entertaining encounter, Monaco have to overcome a two-goal deficit against Manchester City in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie on Wednesday at the Stade Louis II Stadium.

City had to dig deep to beat Monaco 5-3 in the first leg and with both sides showing obvious defensive frailties, another goal-fest is on the cards.

The million dollar question is, who will run out winners on the night? At the moment, City have a slight advantage but this is the UEFA Champions League and after a certain Spanish side’s heroics last week, nothing is impossible.

Monaco

The French principality side gave a good account of themselves in the first leg at the Etihad and were perhaps unlucky not to have scored a couple more. Their team possess a vibrant attack, perhaps among the most underrated in Europe at the moment.

And their form domestically has been outstanding this season, ahead of the mighty PSG in the Ligue 1 rankings and coach Leonardo Jardim will urge his side to take advantage of the home support from the very first minute on Wednesday.

However, as their almost-cavalier approach proved in the first leg, all-out attack does leave them exposed and against a City side not short of firepower, that wouldn't be the wisest decision.

Star striker Radamel Falcao suffered an injury scare on the weekend, but should be fit to lead the line and he along with Kylian Mbiappe will be the main goal threats for the home side on the night. Giving them support from the wing will be the fleet-footed Thomas Lemar and between the three of them, they can easily overturn Monaco’s deficit in the tie.

Defender Kamil Glik is the only Monaco player suspended for the tie and Gabriel Boschilla and Guido Carillo are both expected to miss out due to injury. 

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola isn’t doing too badly in his debut season with cash-rich Manchester City, contrary to media reports. City are third in the Premier League, have reached the FA Cup semifinals and are in pole position to make it to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

Despite the absence of injured striker Gabriel Jesus, City are going great guns at the moment, at least in the striking department.

Their defence, however, is a different story and one which doesn't make for easy reading. Conceding three goals at home in a European tie is unacceptable and may well come back to haunt the Sky Blues as they bid to assert their dominance in a competition which still feels like the final frontier for them.

If they can keep Falcao and co relatively quiet on Wednesday, the tie will be theirs but then again it is easier said than done.

Apart from Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan remains the only City player on the casualty list.

Super Stat: Monaco have scored a mind-boggling 84 goals in Ligue 1 this season, the highest by any club across the five top leagues in Europe!