19 August 2021, 17:27 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Ligue 1 continues with Match Day 3 in focus this weekend with AS Monaco vs. RC Lens coming under the microscope at the Stade Louis II, time: 16:00 (GMT+1), on Saturday, August 21.
Preview Monaco Ligue 1, Aug 21, 2021
Preview Monaco will return behind back-to-back defeats, having lost to Shakhtar Donetsk earlier in the week in a UEFA Champions League qualifying round fixture, - courtesy of a lone goal by Pedrinho (19'). After the 1-1 draw against F.C. Nantes on Match Day 1, the Monégasques fell further off the pace with an away loss to Lorient on Match Day 2. A foul in the box on the Nigerian forward, Terem Moffi (31' P) saw Niko Kovac's side punished from the spot despite goalkeeper, Alexander Nuebel diving the right way. Monaco are in 14th place on the Ligue 1 table, having only a point after two games: 0W, 1D & 1L. Another window of opportunity will present itself on Saturday for Kovac to pick up a win and get Monaco's Ligue 1 campaign off in the proper way. He made changes on Match Day 2, dropping the 4—2—3—1 formation adopted against Nantes for a 3—4—1—2 formation against Lorient. However, both failed to produce the ideal result and an entirely new 4—4—2 formation could be seen on Saturday. Monaco will visit the Metalist Stadium four days after they welcome Lens to the Stade Louis II in a bid to remedy the one-goal deficit against the Ukrainian side, Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifying play-offs.
Preview Lens Ligue 1, Aug 21, 2021
Preview Borrowing a leaf from AS Monaco's book, Le Racing Club de Lens are yet to taste victory this season. On Saturday, they will return behind the 2-2 draw on home soil against AS Saint-Etienne after the opening day 1-1 draw against Rennes. A difficult game for Lens saw them find their way back from behind, twice for the equalizer, - with the goals coming from Ignatius Knepe Ganago (31') and Seko Fofana (77'). They are in 8th place on the rankings with 2 points after 0W, 2D & 0L. Franck Haise would be eyeing a quick return to winning ways starting from this weekend when they face AS Monaco. A 3—4—1—2 formation with the duo consisting of Florian Sotoca and Ignatius Ganago leading the attack is expected. French left-back, Massadio Haidara is yet to feature for RC Lens since the beginning of the campaign due to a calf injury and remains doubtful for the weekend when the Blood & Gold return to Ligue 1 action on Match Day 3.