Nantes vs. Monaco: Ligue 1 Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

Antoine Kombouare, now under fire as Nantes' manager, will be looking for a win on Friday night when they host Monaco at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Ligue 1.

Having one of the best traveling teams in Ligue 1 come to town this weekend is not ideal for Nantes, whose 12-year top-flight tenure is in jeopardy.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

After four consecutive losses in November, it seemed obvious that Kombouare would be let go. However, a draw away at Paris Saint-Germain only appeared to postpone the inevitable.

However, since that energetic display at the Parc des Princes, Nantes' play has improved, and they have lost just once in their previous five games.

Last weekend, they pulled off another remarkable result, earning a point away at Lille. However, they need victory now that Angers and Saint-Etienne have both won since they have fallen to third place.

Despite having just one victory in their past thirteen matches and a total of fifteen points for the season, Nantes can win back-to-back games at the Beaujoire for the first time in sixteen months after their 1-0 home victory against Rennes.

That may be easier said than done, considering their dismal track record versus Monaco, but goals might be easy to come by in a matchup that has yielded a hat trick in the last several meetings.

Despite a thrilling 23-goal total in their last five head-to-head matches, Nantes has lost their last four league encounters against Monaco despite a penalty shootout victory in last year's Coupe de France semi-finals.

Based on their respective performances this season, Monaco will feel quite confident as they aim to extend their unbeaten streak in 22 league encounters against Nantes.

Even though Adi Hutter just signed a new, long-term deal with the club, things have not gone according to plan.

Last week, when the club from the principality was playing in the Trophee des Champions, Roberto De Zerbi's side crushed Le Havre, putting Monaco in third position, three points behind Marseille.

Hutter's squad lost 4-2 to PSG in last month's matchday 16 match; the previous weekend, they were defeated by the same opponents in the Trophee des Champions final by Ousmane Dembele's injury-time goal.

Their two wins in the past eight matches were against Saint-Jean, a sixth-tier team, in the Coupe de France last year.

Monaco risks falling out of the top four if they lose points in an increasingly difficult fight for Europe, which may happen if Lille, Nice, and Lyon win.

Nantes x Monaco Team News

Nantes are missing forwards Tino Kadewere and Adel Mahamoud due to injuries, but Matthis Abline's success has helped make up for it. Abline scored twice in the 2024 Cup final and an equalizer last week against Lille.

The club's veteran goalkeeper, Anthony Lopes, a former Portuguese international who arrived from Lyon a few days before, debuted soon after. Lopes will likely start every game going ahead.

After missing a significant portion of the season due to injury, Radoslaw Majecki is out for the rest of the season, leaving Philipp Kohn to step in as Monaco's starting goalkeeper again.

The visitors' youthful Christian Mawissa Elebi will sit out the next three games due to suspension, while Wilfried Singo will be back in the starting lineup for defense.

The availability of striker Folarin Balogun is uncertain due to a persistent shoulder injury, while versatile midfielder Krepin Diatta will miss the match due to a muscular ailment. Diatta has only played one minute since the beginning of November.

Our predictions

Monaco to win @ 1.85 on Sky247.ng

The last few weeks have been better for Nantes, who have only lost once in five games. However, they face a formidable opponent in Monaco, a team that thrives on the road.

Despite being heavy favorites, Hutter's squad knows they must win this match since they have lost two of their past eight games across all competitions. The visitors have won 12 of their last 17 road games in Ligue 1.

Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.