Preview: Monaco vs. Ajaccio - prediction, team news, lineups

Monaco may still be reeling from a shock exit in the Coupe de France last weekend, while Ajaccio face a battle at the bottom on their return to the top flight.

Match preview

After a strong start post-World Cup, it has been a rocky week for Monaco.

Wins in their first two games back versus Auxerre and Brest moved them well into Champions League contention as 2023 began.

However, last week's Coupe de France tie with second-tier Rodez saw them crash out at the first hurdle in comical fashion.

After going 2-0 up, they were pegged back by former defender Aymen Abdennour's first goal in French football for 10 years late on to take the game to penalties.

In the shootout, Aleksandr Golovin had the chance to win it with Monaco's fifth penalty, missed, and then Soungoutou Magassa missed their next penalty too with Rodez scoring both to win 5-4.

In midweek, an injury-time Wissam Ben Yedder equaliser was needed to save them at Lorient, as defeat would have seen their opponents overtake them in the table.

They initially took the lead in that game, so it means they have now dropped points in six matches this season - more than any other side in Ligue 1.

As it stands though, they remain fifth, five points behind third-place Marseille in the final Champions League qualification spot.

For visitors Ajaccio, they will have been pleased to put up a better fight despite falling to defeat again against Reims on Wednesday.

That came after a pitiful display at Toulouse which saw them lose 2-0 while registering just one shot in the entire 90 minutes.

A win over bottom-placed Angers on their return to action is what is currently keeping them out of the bottom four, as Brest sit just one point behind them in 17th.

Olivier Pantaloni's side are still suffering from a woeful start that saw them take just one point from their opening seven matches.

Ligue 1's lowest scorers need a heroic performance here in the principality though, or they may well end the weekend below the dotted line, and they have not won on any of their last six visits here.

Monaco Ligue 1 form:

W

W

L

W

W

D

Monaco form (all competitions):

W

L

W

W

W

D

Ajaccio Ligue 1 form:

L

W

D

W

L

L

Team News

Kevin Volland has managed a goal every other game for Monaco this season, but he is their only current absentee with a rib injury.

Ben Yedder only started on the bench against Lorient as 17-year-old Eliesse Ben Seghir started up front with Breel Embolo.

After notching the late equaliser which saved Philippe Clement's side though, top-scorer Ben Yedder should return to the starting XI here.

Axel Disasi was the only player who kept his place in the side from the one that lost against Rodez in the cup.

A number of summer signings are currently out injured for Ajaccio.

Romain Hamouma, Yoann Touzghar, Kevin Spadanuda and Youssouf Kone are all currently on the sidelines for the Bears.

Mickael Barreto and Mathieu Coutadeur complete a lengthy injury list for Pantaloni to deal with.

Monaco possible starting lineup:

Nubel; Vanderson, Disasi, Maripan, Caio Henrique; Diatta, Fofana, Camara, Golovin; Ben Yedder, Embolo

Ajaccio possible starting lineup:

Leroy; Youssouf, Gonzalez, Mayembo, Diallo; Bayala, Marchetti, Mangani, Nouri; El Idrissy, Moussiti-Oko

We say: Monaco 2-0 Ajaccio

Monaco have been rather ropey in the last week, but they should be able to show off their credentials here against a struggling Ajaccio side.

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