Arsenal vs Monaco tips and predictions: Havertz on fire as Gunners look to make corners count again

Arsenal state of play

Arsenal had bounced back to form following a poor run of results between late October and early November but their recent winning streak was snapped on Sunday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham in the Premier League. 

William Saliba scored from a trademark corner to cancel out Raul Jimenez's early strike. The Gunners thought they were set for another victory when Bukayo Saka headed home in the game’s dying embers only for VAR to flag an offside in the build-up. 

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There were plenty of goals in Arsenal's most recent Champions League outing - a 5-1 victory at Sporting a fortnight ago which saw the North London outfit climb to seventh in the standings. 

Mikel Arteta will be eager to secure a top-eight finish, avoiding the need for two extra fixtures in the play-off round. Victory against Monaco would go a long way to helping achieve that feat. 

Monaco state of play

Monaco travel to the Emirates Stadium after a 2-0 triumph over Ligue 1 rivals Toulouse on Saturday. It was their first victory in three matches following defeats to Marseille and as well as Benfica in the Champions League. 

The back-to-back defeats were a rare blip for Adi Hutter's impressive side, who sit one place below Arsenal in the Champions League standings by virtue of an inferior goal difference. 

Just three teams have scored more in this season's competition and Arsenal's rearguard will need to be on alert as Monaco have blanked just twice in all competitions. 

Key talking point: Can set-piece masters Arsenal continue their fine record from corners?

Arsenal have earned comparisons to Tony Pulis-era Stoke thanks to their excellent record from set pieces.

The Gunners' last three goals have come from corners and Saliba's strike against Fulham was their 23rd from a corner since the start of last season - eight more than their nearest Premier League challenger in that period. 

It is clear that making the most of set pieces is a crucial element of Mikel Arteta's game plan and that could be key to securing victory against Monaco, which would leave them in a healthy position to automatically progress to the knockout stage of the Champions League. 

Arsenal - the only team in Europe's top five leagues to have created 10 or more big chances from set pieces this season - should, therefore, be sniffing out corners at every opportunity.

FIRST’s top tip for Arsenal vs Monaco

Arsenal over/under corners: Over 6.5 - 79/100 (Bet442)

Over 6.5 corners have occurred in six out of Arsenal's 10 matches at the Emirates and the Gunners have averaged 7.9 corners per home game. Mikel Arteta's side should dominate possession, thus aiding their chances of winning set pieces. 

Extra tips

Kai Havertz to score anytime - 3/2 (Mr.Play)

While Arsenal fans would, no doubt, like a more prolific frontman spearheading their attack, Kai Havertz has been in good form on home soil. The German forward boasts a record of six goals in nine appearances in all competitions at the Emirates Stadium this season. 

Both teams to score - Yes - 26/25 (Mr.Play)

It is a clash that should provide goals because the hosts have scored in every home game and the visitors have found the back of the net in all their away matches this term. Both teams to score have landed in four of Arsenal's last six and four of Monaco's last five.

Team news

Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko after the defensive trio missed the trip to Craven Cottage. 

Thomas Partey is likely to return to midfield if any of the three defenders are passed fit to play, while Gabriel Martinelli could replace Leandro Trossard on the left wing.

Monaco are without suspended defenders Wilfried Singo, who was sent off in last month's 3-2 defeat against Benfica, and Christian Mawissa. 

Former Gunners forward Folarin Balogun misses out due to a shoulder injury, while Krepin Diatta and Edan Diop remain on the sidelines. 

Arsenal vs Monaco predicted line-ups

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Havertz (4-3-3)

Monaco: Majecki; Vanderson, Salisu, Kehrer, Henrique; Zakaria, Camara; Akliouche, Ben Seghir, Golovin; Embolo (4-2-3-1)

Form guide

Arsenal: DWLLDWWWWD

Monaco: DWLLWWWLLW

Odds correct at the time of writing.