Monaco are looking to get out of the relegation zone as they host Nice in Ligue 1, with two former teammates, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, now in the opposite dugouts.
Monaco is still walking on a tightrope in the relegation zone. Despite an improvement in form, including a hard-fought draw at Marseille and losing just once in five games, they are not winning enough games to get them out of trouble. They have won only once in five in the league which is not good for a team on the brink.
Nice on the other hand are on a bad run of form winning just once in five league games but are sitting comfortably in eighth. Nonetheless, goals have also been hard to come by from Vieira’s men and Monaco’s defence shouldn’t be too worried.
This game will be very close with both teams desperately needing points, especially Monaco.
Betting preview
Nice have scored only 14 goals this season with only seven of those coming away. Meanwhile, Monaco have scored just three more goals (17) this season. Moreover, only two of Monaco’s last eleven games had Over 2.5 Goals.You can back goals Under 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.75.
After a torrid start as Monaco’s coach, Henry is gradually steadying the ship. However, they are yet to register a home win this term. Odds for an away win are at 3.45 which are favorable given Monaco’s terrible home form.
Both teams have scored most of their goals in the second half this season.So you can back Second Half With Most Goals at odds of 2.15.
Team news
Monaco have had terrible luck with injuries, with first team players like Nacer Chadli, Stevan Jovetic and Djibril Sidibe still missing. However, the January transfer window has enabled them to bring in some much needed reinforcements. Cesc Fabregas and Naldo have joined the club from Chelsea and Schalke respectively.
With Mario Balotelli’s complete fallout with Vieira, Nice is missing attackers Mickael Le Bihan and Myziane Maolida.
Possible line-ups
Monaco: Benaglio, Naldo, Gilk, Badiashile, Henrichs, Ballo-Toure, Tielemans, Fabregas, Bennasser, Golovin, Falcao.
Nice: Benitez, Jallet, Herelle, Sarr, Dante, Cyprien, Tameze, Makengo, Ganago, Saint-Maximin, Sylvestre