The first fixture in Ligue I for the 2021-2022 campaign is underway this week as Monaco hosts Nantes on an opening day. The match schedules for Friday at the Stade Louis II stadium, with kickoff at 10 pm.
Nico Kovac’s men made a triumphant return to the Champions League after a third-place finish. On the other hand, Nantes ensures another stay in the top flight after a hard battle against relegation.
Since Nico Kovac took over the managerial role for Monaco, there were many expectations from the camp. However, he managed to live up to the expectations while keeping a tight leash last season with Lille and PSG. A third-place finish with five points adrift the champions is proof of their momentum.
In addition, the Les Monegasques started their rise in the Champions League in the third qualifying round against Sparta Prague. Moreover, Monaco continued their exemplary form with a 2-0 first-leg win away.
Despite ending their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad, it proved a positive affair. The side registered wins against Cercle Brugge, Wolfsburg and Red Bull Salzburg.
On the other hand, the arrival of Antoine Kombouare could not prevent Nantes from an 18th spot finish. In addition, it earned a playoff spot against Toulouse. However, a four winning streak on the final four games gave hope for the Les Canaris.
AS Monaco vs Nantes Head to Head
Both sides have 23 games against each other, with Monaco taking 16 wins while Nantes with four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Sparta Praha 0-2 Monaco
- Real Sociedad 2-1 Monaco
- Wolfsburg 1-2 Monaco
- Royal Antwerp 0-0 Monaco
- Monaco 3-1 Cercle Brugge
Away
- Nantes 1-2 Clermont Foot
- Nantes 0-1 Lorient
- Brest 1-3 Nantes
- Nantes 0-1 Chamis Niortais
- Nantes 0-1 Caen
AS Monaco Team News
Injury absentees at the camp inclusive defensive reinforcements include Benjamin Lecomte and Guillermo Marzipan. Loanee Alexander Nubel sets to get his debut between the sticks after moving from Bayern Munich. New signings Myron Boadu, Jean Lucas and Ismail Jakobs look set to make their respective debut.
FC Nantes Team News
Pedro Chirivella starts his suspension after an accumulation of bookings from last season. However, loanee Wylan Cyprien could slot into the starting lineup alongside Ludovic or Moutoussamy. The match comes too soon for Abdoulaye Traore, who is completing his move to the camp.
Prediction and Odds
We do not envisage a high encounter clash even though it is a season opener; thus we give our props to the home side.
- Monaco Win
- Goals Under 3.5
- No Score: Nantes