Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a heavyweight Coupe de France showdown on Thursday night, Strasbourg will welcome Monaco to the Stade de la Meinau.
Strasbourg
Starting with the hosts, while Strasbourg might have watched Liam Rosenior leave the Stade de la Meinau for Premier League giants Chelsea last month, Le Racing appear to be enjoying life under new boss Gary O’Neil. Despite eventually falling to a 2-1 loss at home against reigning domestic and European champions PSG over the weekend, they have won each of their other three appearances across all competitions and the ex-Wolves manager has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from their last nine outings. Signing off January with a major statement of intent as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp away at Lille, Strasbourg have also impressed with their free-scoring performances in the final third. In fact, notching 33 Ligue 1 strikes so far this season, no team outside the European spots boasts a better attacking return.
Strasbourg Team News
Not making a single appearance across any competition since the end of August, Strasbourg will once again be without former Manchester United youngster Max Oyedele. However, serving a one-match domestic suspension over the weekend, ex-Brighton misfit Valentin Barco could be handed a full recall.
With O’Neil expected to make a handful of alterations on Thursday night, summer recruit Lucas Hogsberg could be handed a chance from the start. Recording 11 Ligue 1 strikes this season, Argentinian striker Joaquin Panichelli should spearhead Strasbourg’s charge.
Monaco
As for the visitors, claiming a much-welcomed boost over the weekend as they stormed their way to a dominant 4-0 victory at home against Rennes, Monaco will be desperate to use that rampant performance as a platform to build on. However, holding just a one-point buffer from dropping out the top-half of the Ligue 1 standings, Sebastien Pocognoli’s side have shown some glaring inconsistencies on either side of opening the New Year. Including a 6-1 Champions League drumming against Spanish giants Real Madrid on January 20th, Monaco have won just five of their previous 15 appearances across all competitions. Despite securing an action-packed 3-2 win when they last met Strasbourg back on August 31st, Pocognoli’s men should face a stern examination when they travel to the Stade de la Meinau.
Monaco Team News
Not even registering 30 minutes of Ligue 1 action since completing a blockbuster free switch last year and already linked with a move away, French superstar Paul Pogba will not feature here. Dealing with a recent knock, former Tottenham ace Eric Dier remains a major doubt on Thursday night.
Recording seven Ligue 1 strikes since completing a loan switch from Barcelona, Ansu Fati could play a leading role in the final third. Academy graduate Maghnes Akliouche could be handed a chance from the start and could replace former Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun.
Strasbourg vs Monaco Key Factors to Consider
- When Strasbourg and Monaco last met for a Ligue 1 showdown back on August 31st, Thursday’s guests claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Stade Louis II.
- Monaco are unbeaten in all of their previous seven meetings against Le Racing (six wins, one draw).
- Despite falling to a 2-1 loss against PSG over the weekend, that is the only defeat that Strasbourg have suffered from their previous nine appearances across all competitions.
- Including a 6-1 Champions League drumming against Spanish giants Real Madrid on January 20th, Monaco have won just five of their previous 15 appearances across all competitions.
- Six of Strasbourg’s last seven home fixtures have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Monaco might hold a dominant record against Thursday’s opponents, Pocognoli’s men should be bracing themselves for a tricky challenge here. Showing a string of inconsistencies since opening up the New Year, Strasbourg will be confident of collecting a heavyweight Coupe de France scalp in midweek. However, it should be noted, with Le Racing seeing six of their previous seven showdowns at the Stade de la Meinau finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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