Prediction: Monaco vs PSG

Verdict: PSG win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways, PSG will travel to the Stade Louis II when they meet Monaco on Friday night.

Monaco

Starting with the hosts, while Monaco might still have the feel of a squad seeking some recent stability, Adi Hutter’s men still sit in the driving seat to punch a lucrative Champions League return in 2024. Making a welcomed return to winning ways last week as they snatched an action-packed 3-2 win away at Lens, the former Eintracht Frankfurt will be desperate to spring a heavyweight upset here. However, shockingly crashing out of the Coupe de France last month as they were hit with penalties heartbreak away at third-tier outfit Rouen, Monaco have won just a pair of their previous six domestic appearances across all competitions. Knowing that they will face another stern examination here, Hutter will certainly have a real headache over his side’s glaring issues on home soil. Last seen at the Stade Louis II slumping to a 2-1 defeat against Toulouse, Monaco have collected just a single point from their previous four Ligue 1 showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

All dealing with respective injury issues, Monaco will be unable to call upon the likes of Caio Henrique, Mohamed Camara, Krepin Diatta and Swiss international Breel Embolo. However, serving a one-match suspension last week, former West Ham defender Thilo Kehrer could make a full return here.

Finding the net away at Lens last weekend and notching a first Ligue 1 strike since the end of November, former Arsenal starlet Floarin Balogun will spearhead Hutter’s charge here. With 11 top-flight goals so far this season, Wissam Ben Yedder will once again partner Balogun in the final third.

PSG

As for the visitors, while PSG might have eventually been forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against Rennes last week, the French icons are cruising their way to yet another domestic crown in 2024. Opening up Friday’s trip to Monaco holding a commanding 11-point buffer over the chasing pack, Luis Enrique’s men are unbeaten in all of their previous 19 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to November 7th. Likewise, getting their Champions League knockout stage adventure underway with a 2-0 victory against Spanish outfit Real Sociedad on February 14th, PSG have also continued to shine with their performances outside of the capital. In fact, the former Barcelona boss has seen his superstar squad win all of their previous five straight domestic contests away from the Parc des Princes by an aggregate score of 19-2. Landing a 5-2 romp when they welcomed Monaco to town back on November 24th, Enrique will be calling on a repeat performance here.

Team News

Missing out last weekend and dealing with a recent calf strain, defensive talisman Marquinhos remains a real doubt here. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, the likes of Sergio Rico, Layvin Kurzawa and Milan Skriniar will not travel to Monaco on Friday night.

While attacking icon Kylian Mbappe might be leading the French capital this summer, the 25-year-old will spearhead Enrique’s charge here. Coming off the bench and bagging a last-gasp point against Rennes last week, Portugal international Goncalo Ramos could be handed a full recall.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Monaco and PSG met for their reverse Ligue 1 showdown back on November 24th, the defending champions picked up a 5-2 victory in the capital.
• PSG are unbeaten in all of their previous 19 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to November 7th.
• Monaco have remarkably collected just a single point from their previous four Ligue 1 showdowns on home soil.
• PSG have won all of their previous five straight domestic away fixtures by an aggregate score of 19-2.
• All of the last three meetings between Monaco and PSG have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Opening Friday’s showdown holding a commanding 11-point buffer at the top of the Ligue 1 table, PSG will be looking to make a heavyweight statement here. Remarkably winning all of their previous five straight domestic contests outside of the capital by an aggregate score of 19-2, Enrique’s men will also be excited by their most recent battle against Monaco. Landing an action-packed 5-2 romp when they met for their reverse Ligue 1 contest on November 24th, we are predicting a similar away victory this weekend.

Verdict: PSG win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet