Monaco lineup vs. Barcelona: Predicted XI for Champions League encounter

Monaco manager Adi Hutter has multiple selection headaches ahead of his side's Champions League opener against Barcelona on Thursday.

The Ligue 1 side have made an excellent start to the campaign, taking 10 points from a possible 12, with Hutter utilising his healthy squad by rotating with great success.

Hutter made eight changes to his side for the clash with Lens before the international break from the one that beat Lyon in late August, before reverting back to that same XI for the trip to Auxerre on Saturday.

It was only a 93rd-minute Przemyslaw Frankowski penalty that denied them from taking three points against Lens, but reverting back to the same previous XI saw them beat Auxerre 3-0 at the weekend.

That may not guarantee an unchanged lineup here though, as Hutter did ring the changes following that impressive 2-0 win at Lyon.

Therefore, ex-Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun could be in contention to start, but also vying for a place in the starting XI is Swiss international Breel Embolo, and new signing George Ilenikhena.

In behind, Aleksandr Golovin returned to make his first start of the season at the weekend, and played an hour, but he also faces competition from Takumi Minamino, who has made a strong start to the season for club and country.

Eliesse Ben Seghir has been the standout star in attack though, as the 19-year-old looks set for a breakout season, having started in all four games, and being named Man of the Match against Lyon.

It is not just in attack where Hutter is spoiled for choice, as he has four viable centre-back options to choose from here.

Former Premier League duo Mohammed Salisu and Thilo Kehrer have featured most often, but Wilfried Singo and new signing Christian Mawissa Elebi started against Lens, with the latter going off before the visitors grabbed their late equaliser.

To trim the squad slightly, Monaco allowed Ismail Jakobs to join Galatasaray late in the window, so Caio Henrique should start at left-back, but youngster Kassoum Ouattara is also in contention.

Hutter has also received positive news as midfielder Lamine Camara has been released from concussion protocols after going off with a neck injury at Auxerre, but he will be assessed ahead of this one.

The only injuries for the home side ahead of this clash concern Edan Diop, who is recovering from a broken leg, and backup goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki.

Monaco possible starting lineup:
Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Mawissa Elebi, Caio Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Minamino, Ben Seghir; Embolo

Click here to see how Barcelona could line up for this Champions League encounter

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