Ligue 1 | Gameweek 22

Feb 15, 2025 at 6pm UK

Stade Louis II.

Monaco vs Nantes

Match preview

Another poor midweek result has left Monaco on the brink of elimination from the Champions League after a 1-0 home defeat to Benfica.

It was Monaco's sixth defeat in 10 games since the turn of the year, and three defeats in six Ligue 1 games means they are now outside the automatic UCL places for the first time since August.

It is difficult to find an explanation for Monaco's poor run of form, having lost just three of their previous 18 league games, but the most glaring problem has been at the back.

Monaco are still scoring regularly, but they are conceding goals at an alarming rate, with only Reims (15) having conceded more than them (12) in 2025.

The Stade Louis II in particular has been a goal-fest, with Monaco scoring and conceding at least twice in their last three games there, and a similar scoreline would make them the first Ligue 1 side in over four decades to do so in four consecutive home games.

Nantes, however, could be a welcome opponent as they currently hold the longest unbeaten run against them in Ligue 1, having not lost in their last 13 meetings.

With trips to Benfica and Lille coming up in the next seven days, it is vital that Hutter's side continue this run of form to build confidence and maintain their place in the top four.

Nantes have lost more Ligue 1 matches against Monaco than any other side (47), and this is not the ideal time to face them, with last weekend's home defeat leaving them in relegation trouble.

With 21 points from their opening 21 games, the only two times Nantes have had so few points at this stage of the season they were either relegated (2006-07) or survived thanks to the relegation play-off (2020-21).

Nevertheless, Antoine Kombouare's men remain three points above the relegation zone, despite being beaten 2-0 by Brest a week ago.

The Canaries' three defeats in their last 11 matches have all come at the hands of Brest, who completed the league double last week, and the Pirates, who knocked them out of the Coupe de France last month.

However, it is likely to be another team that will taste success against Nantes in the coming weeks, with their next three games all against top-seven sides - Monaco, Lens and Marseille.

One positive for Nantes is that they have taken more points away (11) than at home (10) this season, and although they are just one place above the relegation zone, a win coupled with some favourable results elsewhere could see them move up to 11th.

Recent Performance

Monaco Ligue 1 form:LDLWWL

Monaco form (all competitions):WWLWLL

Nantes Ligue 1 form:DDDDWL

Nantes form (all competitions):DLDDWL

Team News

Monaco will be without midfielder Soungoutou Magassa through suspension, but Lamine Camara returned to the squad in midweek and Al Musrati, who was sent off on his full debut against Benfica, will not be suspended until the second leg.

Monaco's main injury concerns are at the back, where Wilfried Singo and Jordan Teze are expected to miss out again, but Christian Mawissa returns after serving a ban in Europe.

Folarin Balogun is still struggling with a shoulder problem, but George Ilenikhena has returned to fitness and will compete with Mika Biereth and the out-of-form Breel Embolo for a starting berth.

Nantes have experienced defender Nicolas Pallois back from suspension for this game, but Tino Kadewere and Nathan Zeze remain sidelined through injury.

Francis Coquelin is yet to make his debut following his late arrival from Villarreal, but fellow new signing Meschack Elia came off the bench in the defeat to Brest.

Possible starting lineup

Monaco possible starting lineup:

Majecki; Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Mawissa; Minamino, Camara, Zakaria, Golovin; Ilenikhena, Biereth

Nantes possible starting lineup:

Lopes; Coco, Castelletto, Pallois, Cozza; Douglas Augusto, Pedro Chirivella, Lepenant; Abline, Mohamed, Simon