Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Hoping to find a route back into the Champions League spots on Friday night, Monaco will travel to Toulouse.
Toulouse
Starting with the hosts, while Toulouse might have marked their return from France’s festive break in the midst of a real struggle, Les Violets have turned a recent corner over the past fortnight. Putting in what was a dominant performance last time out as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp away at Angers, Carles Martinez Novell has seen his squad muster back-to-back Ligue 1 victories for the first time since the start of January. Signing off February with a 4-1 win against Le Havre, Toulouse have also found a recent clinical edge in the final third. However, despite dreaming of the chance to book a famous European ticket this season, Friday’s hosts have shown some extended issues on home soil. Crashing out of the Coupe de France on February 5th following a 2-0 loss against second-tier outfit Guingamp, Novell’s men have also registered just a sole point from any of their previous four Ligue 1 showdowns at the Stadium de Toulouse.
Toulouse Team News
Still dealing with a recent thigh issue, Toulouse are once again expected to be without former Bournemouth striker Joshua King on Friday night. Likewise, not featuring since opening the New Year, German midfielder Niklas Schmidt remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.
Finding the net in back-to-back Ligue 1 appearances over the past fortnight Cameroon international Frank Magri will lead Novell’s attack. Making a permanent move from Championship outfit Leeds United last summer, Charlie Cresswell will start at the heart of Toulouse’s defence.
Monaco
As for the visitors, claiming what was a much-welcomed boost last time out as they cruised their way to a 3-0 victory against Reims, Monaco will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, watching their Champions League adventure come to an end last month as they eventually fell to a dramatic 4-3 aggregate defeat against Portuguese heavyweight Benfica, Ali Hutter’s men are seeking some recent stability. Signing off February with a 2-1 loss away at Lille, Friday’s guests have won just a pair of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Desperate to find a route back into the Champions League spots here, Monaco have gained a reputation for their glaring issues on the road. In fact, Hutter’s camp have failed to win any of their last eight consecutive showdowns away from the Stade Louis II across all competitions.
Monaco Team News
Enduring what has been an injury nightmare this season and not featuring since the start of December, former Arsenal starlet Florian Balogun remains on the sidelines. Likewise, Aleksandr Golovin is still dealing with a groin issue and is not expected to feature here.
Notching a sensational Ligue 1 hat-trick against Reims last week and already notching 10 goals in his first seven domestic appearances, the red-hot Mika Biereth will play a leading role here. French international Thilo Kehrer will partner former Toulouse defender Christian Mawissa Elebi at the back.
Toulouse vs Monaco Key Factors to Consider
- When Toulouse and Monaco met for their reverse Ligue 1 meeting on December 7th, Friday’s guests collected a 2-0 win at the Stade Louis II.
- Likewise, Monaco have won all of their last three Ligue 1 trips to the Stadium de Toulouse by an aggregate score of 6-2.
- Les Violets have seen their last four Ligue 1 appearances produce 14 goals at both ends of the pitch.
- Monaco have failed to win any of their last eight consecutive matchups away from the Stade Louis II.
- Toulouse have collected just one-point from any of their last four Ligue 1 showdowns on home soil.
Conclusion
Claiming a much-welcomed boost last week as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp against Reims, Monaco are desperate for a repeat performance here. However, despite hoping to find a route back into the Champions League spots on Friday night, Hutter’s side have gained a real reputation for their glaring issues away from the Stade Louis II. Despite winning their last three trips to Toulouse by an aggregate score of 6-2, Monaco have failed to muster a single victory on their travels since opening the New Year. It should be noted, with Les Violets seeing their previous four Ligue 1 showdowns produce 14 goals at both ends of the pitch, neutrals will be hoping for another enjoyable contest this weekend.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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