Monaco vs Lorient: can Lorient extend their unbeaten run?
In the Matchday 18 fixture of France’s Ligue 1, we will see a clash between Monaco and Lorient. The game will take place on Friday, 16 January, with kick-off at 19:00 CET, and I am offering a betting pick for this match.
Monaco vs Lorient: match facts and head-to-head
- In their last six matches, Monaco have recorded three wins and three defeats.
- Monaco have conceded at least one goal in four consecutive matches.
- Lorient are unbeaten in eight straight matches: four wins and four draws.
- Away from home, Lorient are unbeaten in four matches in a row: two wins and two draws.
- Monaco have the third-worst defence in the league, having conceded 30 goals.
- Lorient have lost more matches without scoring: 26%, compared to 16% for Monaco.
- This season, Monaco have scored in both halves in 36% of their matches, Lorient in 32%.
- Lorient beat Monaco 3–1 in the most recent head-to-head meeting.
- In the last five head-to-head matches, Lorient and Monaco have combined for over 3.5 goals: 2–2, 3–1, 2–2, 2–2 and 3–1.
Monaco vs Lorient: match preview
Monaco have struggled to deliver consistent results over the course of this season. The club recently changed head coach, but climbing out of mid-table has so far proven difficult. The Monegasques sit ninth, with 23 points after 17 matches. They trail the European qualification places by seven points. Overturning such a gap will not be easy, but with the entire second half of the season still ahead, opportunities remain.
Lorient won Ligue 2 last season and earned promotion back to the top tier of French football. Their results in the current campaign have been fairly solid for a newly promoted side. After 17 matches, they have collected 19 points and currently occupy 12th place in the standings. Lorient hold a five-point cushion over the relegation zone. It is not a large margin, but given the inconsistency of many teams, Lorient’s prospects look reasonably positive.
Probable line-ups
- Monaco: Kohn; Kehrer, Dier, Teze; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Biereth, Golovin, Henrique; Balogun
- Lorient: Mvogo; Silva, Meite, Adjei; Mvuka, Abergel, Cadiou, Le Bris; Dieng, Soumano, Pagis
Prediction
Monaco will be playing at home and can be considered favourites for this match, but Lorient have performed well against the Monegasques in recent head-to-head meetings. For that reason, I recommend a bet on both teams to score in this game.
