After a domestic slump, Monaco look to build on their perfect start to the UEFA Conference League as they host a Nordsjælland side who are yet to lose in the league phase.
Match News and Current Form
After a blistering start to the campaign, Monaco’s domestic form has tailed off, with a 3-1 defeat against Paris FC at the weekend stretching their winless Ligue 1 run to four matches (D2, L2). Filipe Luis’ men have enjoyed better fortunes in the Conference League though, eye-catchingly beating last season’s Europa League finalists Freiburg 3-0 on matchday two. Monaco could now open a major European campaign with three successive wins for the first time since 1996/97, and an unbeaten home record this term (W4, D2) which includes a pair of Conference League wins by a three-goal margin certainly suggests they’re capable.
Nordsjælland may still be licking their wounds as they journey south having blown a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to fellow Conference League participants Midtjylland at the weekend. The Tigers have won just once since mid-September (D5, L2), with two of those draws coming in their opening two league phase games. They’ve lost just one of their last seven Conference League proper fixtures as a result (W3, D3), a distinct improvement on a return of ten defeats in their prior 11 major European matches (D1), and a four-game unbeaten run on their continental travels including qualifiers (W3, D1) suggests they’re an improving outfit at this level.
Head-to-Head History
This will be both teams’ first meeting against a club from the other’s nation. French sides have lost just three of their last 25 European meetings with Danish opponents (W17, D5).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Five of Monaco’s last six European games produced over 3.5 goals.
No side conceded more corners than Monaco (23) across the first two league phase rounds.
Nordsjælland received a joint competition-high nine yellow cards across the first two matchdays.
Just five of Nordsjælland’s last 16 European away fixtures saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Folarin Balogun opened his account for the season against Paris FC to make it eight of his last ten Monaco goals to come after half-time. Ibrahim Adel netted both of Nordsjælland’s goals on matchday two, while his strike at the weekend was the first of his seven strikes for the club to arrive before the break.
Ansu Fati missed Monaco’s last game through injury, while Nordsjælland’s Justin Janssen is suspended after being sent off on matchday two.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Monaco need a response, and their strong home record suggests backing them to overcome a -1 handicap to win is a plausible option here.
Author: Ryan Fisher