Dembele’s benching against Monaco is purely tactical. With the UEFA Champions League opening match against Slovan Bratislava approaching on September 9, the Spanish manager is prioritizing squad rotation to ensure his key starters remain fresh for European competition.

Maghnes Akliouche steps into the starting lineup in place of Dembele, joining an attack anchored by marquee signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue in the attack.

While former PSG icon Lionel Messi continues to dominate headlines following his international retirement from Argentina, the current French champions remain focused on the task at hand. PSG aim to capture their first three points of the Ligue 1 season, while Monaco enters the fixture looking to keep pace at the top of the table.

PSG confirmed starting XI

With Dembele rested and Kvaratskhelia leading the frontline, Enrique has named a rotated squad tailored for both domestic duty and European preparation. Here is PSG’s confirmed lineup to face Monaco:

• Goalkeeper: Matvey Safonov
• Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Warren Zaire-Emery
• Midfielders: Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz
• Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

In team news, Lucas Digne remains out of the squad due to fitness concerns, while left-back Nuno Mendes serves a one-match suspension following his red card against Lille.

How to watch PSG vs Monaco in the USA

PSG vs. Monaco will be available in the United States on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español. For streaming, the game will be available through Fubo and beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Can I watch PSG vs Monaco for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can currently use the platform’s 5-day free-trial offer to watch PSG vs. Monaco. However, the length of the free trial is not uniform across every plan.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

PSG and Monaco meet on Friday, September 4, in Matchday 3 of the 2026/27 Ligue 1 season, and the contrast between the two starts could hardly be greater.

The reigning champions have drawn both of their opening league games, 2-2 against Rennes and 2-2 against Lille, leaving them with two points. Monaco, meanwhile, are the only team with two wins from two matches, sitting at the top of the table with six points.

For PSG, the objective is clear: get their first Ligue 1 victory of the season and avoid falling further behind the early leaders. Luis Enrique‘s side showed character in Lille, scoring twice in stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw after trailing for most of the match. Another dropped result at home against Monaco, however, would leave the defending champions with only three points from a possible nine after three rounds.

Monaco arrive in Paris with considerably more momentum. Filipe Luis has won all four of his competitive matches since taking charge, including the club’s two Conference League qualifying games against Gornik Zabrze.

In Ligue 1, Monaco opened with a 1-0 win at Le Havre before beating Marseille 2-0, with Paris Brunner scoring both goals. The German striker has quickly emerged as one of the most important attacking players in the team’s impressive start.

PSG vs Monaco: Predicted Lineups

PSG (4-3-3): Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Lucas Digne; Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Desire Doue, Ferran Torres, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Monaco (4-2-3-1): Lukas Hradecky; Vanderson, Sadibou Sane, Eric Dier, Nazinho; Lamine Camara, Denis Zakaria; Mamadou Coulibaly, Aleksandr Golovin, Stanis Idumbo; Paris Brunner.

What time is the PSG vs Monaco match?

The PSG vs. Monaco match kicks off on Friday, September 4, at 3:05 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 3:05 PM
• Central Time: 2:05 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:05 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:05 PM

How to watch Liverpool vs AS Monaco in the USA

The match will air on television on FOX Deportes and CBS Sports Network. However, there is an option for fans who prefer streaming to catch the action from anywhere. The streaming platforms to watch the game between Liverpool and Monaco are Fubo and Fox One.

Can I watch Liverpool vs AS Monaco for free?

Yes, you can watch Liverpool vs Monaco for free in the USA by signing up for Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, provided you are an eligible new subscriber. The trial includes access to the channels carrying the match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Liverpool head into this fixture with two wins and one loss in their preseason. The Reds defeated Sunderland 4-2 and Wrexham 1-0, but then fell 3-1 to Leeds United. The match against Monaco will also mark the home debut of Andoni Iraola as manager at Anfield, following his arrival to replace Arne Slot.

The Spanish coach took the reins of a squad that suffered major losses in the transfer market, with the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate. However, the board responded with signings like Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz. Additionally, Iraola faces defensive doubts due to injuries to Joe Gomez and Jacquet.

Monaco, meanwhile, face this test with Filipe Luis as their new manager following the departure of Sebastien Pocognoli. The Principality squad remains undefeated in its preparation, with a draw against Cercle Brugge and a 1-0 win over Getafe, thanks to a penalty converted by Paris Brunner. The French club reinforced its roster with Eric Dier, Lukas Hradecky, and Matthis Abline, but it also lost one of its main stars with the exit of Maghnes Akliouche.

What time is the Liverpool vs AS Monaco match?

The match will be played on Sunday, August 9, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 AM ET. Here are the kickoff times across the United States:

• Eastern Time (ET): 9:30 AM
• Central Time (CT): 8:30 AM
• Mountain Time (MT): 7:30 AM
• Pacific Time (PT): 6:30 AM

[Watch PSG vs Monaco online in the USA on Fubo]

First-place Paris Saint-Germain return to league action with a four-point cushion atop Ligue 1, sitting on 57 points and narrowly ahead of RC Lens, as they prepare for a high-stakes clash against AS Monaco. PSG are focused on extending their winning run to protect their lead.

On the other side will be AS Monaco, who are currently on 37 points and outside the European spots, are desperate for a statement result to reignite their push up the table in what shapes up to be a pivotal showdown.

When will the PSG vs Monaco match be played?

PSG take on Monaco in a Matchday 25 clash of the 2025/2026 Ligue 1 this Friday, March 6, with kickoff scheduled for 2:45 PM (ET).

PSG vs Monaco: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch PSG vs Monaco in the USA

Catch this 2025-26 Ligue 1 clash between PSG and Monaco live in the USA! The game can be seen on Fubo. Additional viewing options include Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.

Monaco struck first, with Maghnes Akliouche finding the back of the net in the first half, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3. The match took a decisive turn when Monaco’s Mamadou Koulibaly was sent off, reducing the visitors to ten men.

Seizing the advantage, PSG equalized through a Marquinhos header before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia secured the lead with a deft finish, guaranteeing their progression. A late equalizer by Monaco’s Jordan Teze added tension to the final minutes, but it wasn’t enough to prevent PSG from advancing.

At the conclusion of the match in Paris, the scoreboard read 2-2, but it was Paris Saint-Germain who emerged victorious with an aggregate score of 5-4. Despite two red cards for Monaco, PSG secured their place in the Round of 16, steadfastly pursuing their second consecutive UEFA Champions League title.

Who will PSG face next in the Champions League?

PSG could face either Chelsea or FC Barcelona, depending on the outcome of the playoff fixtures and subsequent draw. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the next chapter in PSG’s Champions League journey.

Despite PSG got their ticket to the next phase of the tournament, there is uncertainty regarding their main star Ousmane Dembele, as he didn’t play today against Monaco in Paris.

Meanwhile, the supporters are waiting for the development of draw that is set to happen on Friday, as UEFA is waiting for the development of the other tournaments on Thursday, in order to show the final brackets.

Paul Pogba is not playing today vs PSG as he has been sidelined by injuries and will miss the crucial clash. In their previous encounter, Monaco demonstrated a strong start against Paris Saint-Germain, securing a 2-0 lead by halftime. Yet, PSG rallied and staged a comeback, ultimately clinching a 3-2 victory, thus gaining a strategic edge for the next meeting at Parc des Princes.

The anticipation is building as fans prepare to see which team will secure a berth in the Round of 16. Monaco supporters will be crucial, with the club needing just one goal to tie the aggregate score and potentially push the match to a penalty shootout.

Meanwhile, PSG face a setback regarding their star player and current Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele, who is not playing against Monaco today due to a calf injury sustained in the first leg.

Pogba’s potential return to the field

After sustaining an injury last December, Paul Pogba might soon rejoin the Monaco lineup, according to Sebastien Pocognoli. “His return is becoming clearer. We hope to have him back just before the break and to build with him during the international window. He’s fully focused on the team. His plan is well defined,” Pocognoli told reporters, via Yahoo Sports.

For those eager to see Pogba in Champions League action, Monaco must secure a victory over PSG. A tie or loss would change things for Monaco on their pursuit of the title.

With such high stakes, excitement builds for this marquee matchup in France. The last meeting showcased exceptional performances from both sides, culminating in a thrilling five-goal spectacle.

[Watch PSG vs Monaco online in the US on DAZN]

After edging a five-goal thriller on the road, Paris Saint-Germain carry a 3-2 advantage back to Paris, where the reigning champions will host the decisive second leg with momentum and home-field on their side.

But this tie is far from settled. AS Monaco have showed they can trouble PSG for long stretches, and with nothing to lose, expect Monaco to press aggressively in search of a dramatic turnaround in this series.

When will the PSG vs Monaco match be played?

PSG play against Monaco this Wednesday, February 25, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs. The game is set to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET).

PSG vs Monaco: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch PSG vs Monaco in the USA

Get ready for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League clash between Juventus and Galatasaray. Catch all the action live on DAZN. Other options: Paramount+.

For PSG, the attacking spark of players such as Ousmane Dembele, whose status against Monaco remains unclear, could prove decisive, especially in a match where momentum can shift quickly and the aggregate score dictates the broader strategy.

With no margin for error at this stage, every goal, setback or late surge influences the road ahead. The outcome will not only determine progression, but also shape the tone of the club’s European ambitions in the weeks to come.

What happens if PSG beat Monaco?

A win for Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes would solidify their grip on this knockout tie after an already thrilling 3-2 first-leg victory in Monaco, where PSG overturned a two-goal deficit to take the lead in the tie.

Such a result would mean PSG advance straight to the UEFA Champions League round of 16, as aggregate goals over the two legs determine progression — there’s no away goals rule in the current format.

What happens if PSG and Monaco tie?

A draw tonight is enough for Paris Saint-Germain to qualify for the round of 16, as they would continue leading in aggregate score. Therefore, PSG would advance by merely avoiding defeat.

What happens if PSG lose to Monaco today?

A loss for PSG tonight could change things depending on the score. If PSG lose by only one goal, the game against Monaco will go to overtime. Under current Champions League knockout rules, if teams are still tied on aggregate at the end of normal time in the second leg, 30 minutes of extra time follow — consisting of two 15-minute periods. If neither side breaks that deadlock, a penalty shootout decides who advances.

However, if PSG lose by two or more goals, they would be eliminated from the Champions League and have no chances to defend their title. Monaco need a victory to keep their chances alive, but the goal difference will determine whether extra time will be needed or not.

The focus heading into the decisive clash has not only been on tactics and form, but also on squad availability. Injuries have limited PSG’s options in recent weeks, raising questions about whether key players will be ready in time for such an important match.

The biggest absentee will be Ousmane Dembele, who was forced off during the first half of the first leg — raising the question of what happened to him and why he was subbed off by PSG against Monaco. Since then, the French winger has not fully rejoined group training, leaving him out for the return fixture at the Parc des Princes.

Why isn’t Dembele playing today for PSG vs Monaco?

Dembele is missing PSG’s second leg against Monaco due to a calf injury. A medical update from PSG revealed that he resumed individual training, though he has yet to return to full team sessions. That explains why he wasn’t included by PSG on their matchday squad to face Monaco.

PSG lineup vs Monaco

With Dembele unavailable, the starting XI against Monaco looks like this: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Per Fabrizio Romano, the French superstar needed to be subbed off with an injury against Monaco. PSG were losing the game at the time of the substitution, making it an uphill battle, plus the added concern of how much Dembele hurt. At the end of the first half, PSG were able to tie the game at 2-2.

While PSG will obviously want to have Dembele fit, this time it came as a blessing in disguise. Luis Enrique sent Desiré Doué to the field for Dembele, and the French prospect scored almost immediately to pull one back as his team was losing 2-0. Then, moments before halftime, Achraf Hakimi scored the equalizer.

Dembele has a long list of injuries

Dembele winning Ballon d’Or was a huge redemption story after his ill-fated time in Barcelona. He went from prospect, to a player that never fulfilled his hype, to Ballon d’Or. However, what’s always been a detriment to his career is his long injury history. According to TransferMarkt, Dembele has missed 162 games in his career due to injury.

Just in the 2025-26 season, Dembele has been injured for 73 days with four different injuries, missing 11 games. Dembele has missed games this season due to hamstring and calf injuries, as well as fitness and illnesses. Now, PSG will be on the fence once again with the status of one of their best players.

PSG have plenty of depth offensively

Thankfully for the Parisians, they have plenty of options offensively to take care of Dembele while he recovers. Players like Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desiré Doué, Ibrahim Mbaye, and even Gonçalo Ramos can play instead of Dembele.

While Dembele has all the talent in the world, PSG have the depth to try and not miss him. Still, when he is on the pitch, he is usually a difference-maker. For PSG’s sake, hopefully Dembele is able to return sooner rather than later.

Pogba hasn’t played since December 5 with a recurring calf injury. The French, therefore, was excluded from Monaco’s Champions League squad for this knockout stages. Monaco have been let down by what was supposed to be a world class redemption signing for Pogba.

Even Pogba’s brother, Mathias, has spoken about his brother’s issues. “It’s frustrating, not just for him but for everyone in the family. I told him that he couldn’t be back at 100% straight away. We expected better from his return. But this is the reality. The body is not used to this sort of rhythm at high intensity.” Mathias also added, “We aren’t robots.”

Monaco vs PSG recent results are closer than one may think

PSG have ruled above France for more than a decade. Monaco have had their moments, but nothing to compare to PSG. However, the last 10 games between both show there is a close rivalry going on.

PSG do have the lead with five wins, but Monaco have won three of those games, and there are two draws. As a matter of fact, these two teams played each other in late November, 2025, and Monaco won despite playing the last 10 minutes with 10 men. However, this is the Champions League, this is a whole other level of competition.

Have Monaco missed Pogba?

Yes and no. For once, having someone as talented as Paul Pogba miss games is not nice for any team. Having said that, this version of Pogba is not the same one that carried the French national team to a World Cup title in 2018.

Monaco got used to not counting on Pogba for a while now. However, they hope he can be a good reinforcement once he heals. For now, Pogba is not only unfit to play, but also not at the level he once had.