A spot in the Europa League knockout stages lies in the balance for Monaco this week in their Group B clash with Real Sociedad. The match schedules for Thursday at the Stade Louis II, with kickoff at 11 pm.
Sociedad has yet to lose any of their four group fixtures, meaning defeat on Thursday may leave them requiring all three points on matchday six.
While his Monaco side sits all the way down in the eighth position in Ligue 1, head coach Nico Kovac will never truly feel settled in his role at Stade Louis II.
The Austrian manager feels that he is on borrowed time — and with Leonardo Jardim’s side on the up, the Frenchman’s No. 2 will be on his guard until further notice.
Monaco is winless in their last three league games but is unbeaten in their past four home games in Ligue 1, where they have collected five points from a possible six.
Monaco will seal progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League if they can pick up a positive result against Real Sociedad at Stade Louis II.
Sociedad will want to get back to winning ways on home soil after Thursday’s disappointing goalless draw with Valencia at the Anoeta.
Alguacil will feel that Sociedad still has at least one extra gear, and they may need to show that to ensure that their Europa League fate remains in their own hands.
Monaco vs Real Sociedad Head to Head
Both sides have two games against each other, with opponents taking one win and a draw. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Monaco 2-2 Lille
- Reims 0-0 Monaco
- Monaco 0-0 PSV
- Brest 2-0 Monaco
- Monaco 3-1 Montpellier
Away
- Real Sociedad 0-0 Valencia
- Osasuna 0-2 Real Sociedad
- Real Sociedad 1-1 SK Sturm Graz
- Real Sociedad 1-1 Athletic Club
- Celta Vigo 0-2 Real Sociedad
Monaco Team News
Gelson Martins is set to return to the Monaco team after their 3-1 loss away to Marseille, despite Krepin Diatta being ruled out through injury.
Ben Yedder is yet to start this competition but could replace Myron Boadu, while Ismail Jakobs is another player who may be given a recall after being an unused sub in the opening game.
Real Sociedad Team News
Mikel Oyarzabal could make his first Sociedad start in almost two months as the club looks to keep its impressive second-half of the season from going home against Valencia.
Prediction and Odds
It will be no surprise to see this match end in a low-scoring draw for both opponents.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 3.5
