Friday night will witness the highly awaited return of Ligue 1 action after the 2024 international break as Monaco host Brest at the iconic Stade Louis II. Both teams are locked in a tight battle for Champions League qualification, though their domestic campaigns tell very different stories.
Match Preview
Monaco comes into this tie on the back of a mixed performance. Prior to the international break, they secured a brilliant 1-0 win against Bologna in the Champions League to place them third in the table, two points behind Liverpool. Domestically, Adi Hutter’s men showed some grit by coming from behind to defeat Strasbourg 3-1 and hand the hosts their first home defeat of the season.
This fantastic comeback outlines Monaco’s attacking power; seven of their Ligue 1 goals this season have come in the last 15 minutes. Still, inconsistency at home is a problem. A goalless draw with Lille and a shock 1-0 defeat to Angers question the ability of Monaco to dominate teams with impunity at the Stade Louis II.
Monaco will, however, take confidence from their stellar record against Brest, having won their last five home games against the visitors. Besides, their solidity at the back – just eight goals conceded in 11 games – represents their best Ligue 1 start in the 21st century.
Brest, under Eric Roy, continues its Cinderella story in its maiden European season, as it now stands one step away from securing a knockout-stage berth with 10 points in the Champions League. Domestically, however, the story is less impressing; they sit 12th in Ligue 1, a mere three points above the relegation zone having suffered six league defeats-one less than the entirety of last season.
Back-to-back recent defeats to Nice and bottom-placed Montpellier have further dented Brest’s ambitions at home. However, an attacking lineup spearheaded by Ludovic Ajorque, with a strong record against Monaco, provides a potent attacking threat.
Team News
Monaco
Defender Mohammed Salisu returns from injury and may play some part after missing out during Ghana’s recent games.
Vanderson and Takumi Minamino are doubts due to fitness issues after returning late from international commitments.
Denis Zakaria and Aleksandr Golovin are still questionable, while Folarin Balogun is still working his way back from a shoulder injury.
Eliesse Ben Seghir should earn a start after his brilliant display against Strasbourg and international exploits with Morocco of late.
Possible Starting XI:
Majecki; Singo, Kehrer, Salisu, Caio Henrique; Magassa, Camara; Akliouche, Ilenikhena, Ben Seghir; Embolo
Brest
Ludovic Ajorque, who has scored five career goals against Monaco, will start up front.
Massadio Haidara and Bradley Locko are doubts due to injury, and could force Roy to make changes to his defensive configuration.
Ahead of a crunch Champions League clash with Barcelona, Roy may rotate his squad, as he did in their defeat to Montpellier.
Potential Starting XI:
Bizot; Zogbe, Chardonnet, Ndiaye, Amavi; Magnetti, Lees-Melou, Martin; Faivre, Ajorque, Mama Balde
Prediction
Monaco 1-0 Brest
Monaco’s solidity at the back should see them sneak a win past Brest to end their frustrations at home. While Brest’s European form has been one of the few bright spots in their campaign, domestic inconsistency could lead to a third straight Ligue 1 defeat for the visitors.
