Prematch: Lens vs Monaco
On Saturday, Monaco faces off against RC Lens for the highly-desirable third spot.
Published: April 21, 2023 05:47
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In short
After coming up short against PSG in their top-of-the-table clash on April 22nd, Lens hope to fend off Monaco and get back on the winning path on Saturday against AS Monaco for third place at Stade Bollaert-Delelis at 20:00 (GMT+1). The match will commence at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
RC Lens Look to Rebound After Defeat to PSG, Aiming to Extend Unbeaten Streak Against Monaco
RC Lens are looking to return to winning ways after last weekend’s defeat to PSG WWWWL in what could have been a potential title-deciding matchup. Although playing most of the second half with numerical disadvantage, Lens found a breakthrough through Przemyslaw Frankowski [60′]. Mbappe [31′], Vitinha [37′], and Lionel Messi [40′] goals ensured Lens were never in contention of turning back the tide of this matchup, dropping one position down the table into 3rd with 63 points [18W, 9D, 4L] two ahead of their rivals from Lens. They currently trail second-place Marseille by one point and hope to gain ground back. Lens has not lost any of their five games against Monaco [3W, 2D, 0L] during that stretch and hope to extend what remains their longest unbeaten streak against them. After their loss to Les Parisiens, Lens have fallen back-to-back defeats for the first time since January-February 2022 when they fell to Marseille and FC Lorient respectively. Franck Haise may employ a 3–4-2–1 formation with Lois Openda playing at the top for Saturday’s match against Monaco while Salis Abdul Samed [R. 19′] remains suspended as punishment following his red card against PSG.
Monaco Look to Avoid Defeat Against Lens and Secure 4th Place Finish in Ligue 1
Monaco easily defeated Lorient with ease following their 3-1 home win last weekend, yet failed to move higher up the table by accruing 18 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses in total. They currently reside at fourth position. After suffering defeat in their last meeting against Lens, Monaco are hoping to avoid defeat here and prevent Lens from collecting an unwanted league season double against them for the first time since 1997-1998. The visitors have won three out of their last four matches (LWWDW), hoping to dislodge Lens who remain within touching distance for third place. Ben Yedder and Kevin Volland should play key roles at the front end of a 4–4–2 formation. Ben Yedder made two assists against Lorient; firstly assisting Aleksandr Golovin for Monaco’s second goal and later setting Kevin Volland up to score on their third goal [55′]. Monaco captain Yannick Agnel has scored 17 goals as their top scorer this season and accounts for 35% of Monaco’s 66 league goals, which rank second-best. Breel Embolo remains uncertain for Monaco’s next match along with Gelson Martins and Ruben Aguilar [groin injury]. Following an ankle sprain injury sustained earlier in 2018, Breel Embolo has also experienced discomfort in training.
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