Having suffered a frustrating 0-0 with Huddersfield in the FA Cup at the weekend, Manchester City return to a more glamorous setting as they return to the Champions League to face AS Monaco in the last 16.

A tie that seems favourable on paper, Monaco are a threat. Top of Ligue 1 and scoring at a remarkable rate this season, the French club will be fearless when they step out onto the luscious Etihad Stadium surface.

Pep Guardiola will be fully aware of just how good those from the principality are this season. Well, one would like to hope so at least. Leonardo Jardim’s side have lost only three times in the league this season and they strode to victory in their group stage, which included two victories over Tottenham.

While predicting the outcome of this tie is hard, we can rely on there being plenty of goals. Jardim and Guardiola send their teams out to entertain, there will be no bus parking, but there should be goals throughout the two legs.

This could be the match of the season. Here are THREE reasons all eyes must be on the Etihad this week…

Goal Fest

Monaco are far and away the leading goal scorers in Ligue 1, having netted over 70 times in 26 league matches. Manchester City are renowned for their attack-first style of play, even if poor finishing has seen them score only marginally over two goals per match in the league this season.

The French club boast seven players with over five league goals this season already, a testament to the balance of their team. While Radamel Falcao is their primary goal threat, the sheer talent across their squad makes them a diverse threat.

Goals are expected and rightly so.

No Sitting Back

Neither of these teams are set up to defend, there will be no sitting deep and absorbing pressure at the Etihad Stadium. We can expect an open match, with Monaco desperate to score at least one away goal and Manchester City keen to take a lead to the south of France.

The weaknesses of Manchester City’s defence are well known. They will concede to this potent Monaco attack, which will force them into a higher attacking gear. Once they let that away goal in, they will be needing to score three to come out of the first leg feeling particularly positive.

Stars to Watch

Manchester City’s exciting talents speak for themselves for any Premier League fan. Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne will all start, while Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure will also play key roles.

Monaco’s best players are perhaps less famous, but they are at least as good to watch. Thomas Lemar and Bernardo Silva will start on the flanks, with Kylian Mbappe an option from the bench. Three of European football’s most sought-after prospects are capable of moments brilliance and are on their respective paths to the very top.

Not to mention to in-form Radamel Falcao leading the line.