Match Overview
- Fixture: Reims vs Monaco
- Date & Time: Sunday, December 15, 4:00 PM
- Location: Stade Auguste-Delaune II
- Ligue 1 Standings: Reims (9th) vs Monaco (3rd)
- Win Probability: Monaco 55%, Reims 25%, Draw 20%
Match Preview
The upcoming Ligue 1 clash between Reims and Monaco at Stade Auguste-Delaune II promises to be an intense showdown. Both teams have displayed contrasting forms in recent weeks, with Monaco fighting to maintain their position in the top three, while Reims aims to stay in the top half of the table. Given the stakes, this encounter could have a significant impact on both teams’ campaigns.
Monaco comes into the match as clear favorites, with a 55% win probability compared to Reims’ 25%. Their attacking prowess and recent goal-scoring form make them a formidable opponent. However, Reims have proven themselves capable of producing upsets, especially when playing at home.
Team Form & Recent Results
Reims Recent Form
- Reims 0-2 Lens
- Reims 1-1 Lyon
- Angers 1-3 Reims
- Auxerre 2-1 Reims
- Toulouse 1-0 Reims
- Reims 4-2 Montpellier
- Reims 1-2 Brest
- Le Havre 0-3 Reims
- Strasbourg 0-0 Reims
Reims have been inconsistent, with only three wins in their last nine matches. They’ve struggled with scoring consistency, finding the net less than 1.5 times in six of their last seven matches. Their defense has also been shaky, evidenced by their recent 0-2 defeat to Lens and a 1-2 loss to Brest. However, their 3-1 win against Angers and 4-2 victory over Montpellier show that they are capable of producing attacking fireworks on their day.
Monaco Recent Form
- Marseille 2-1 Monaco
- Monaco 3-2 Brest
- Monaco 2-3 Benfica
- Strasbourg 1-3 Monaco
- Bologna 0-1 Monaco
- Monaco 0-1 Angers
- Monaco 2-0 Toulouse
Monaco’s recent form has been slightly more encouraging than Reims’. They’ve won four of their last seven matches, including a solid 3-1 away win over Strasbourg and a narrow 1-0 victory against Bologna. However, defensive frailties remain a concern, as seen in their 2-3 defeat to Benfica and 2-1 loss to Marseille. Monaco’s ability to score goals is their biggest asset, as they’ve seen over 2.5 goals in five of their last six matches.
Head-to-Head Record
The last 10 meetings between these two sides have been closely contested:
- Reims Wins: 3
- Monaco Wins: 4
- Draws: 3
These results highlight the competitive nature of this fixture. While Monaco holds a slight edge in recent encounters, Reims have proven that they can trouble the principality side.
Key Trends & Betting Insights
- Reims Scoring Struggles: Reims have scored less than 1.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches.
- Low-Scoring Matches for Reims: Less than 2.5 total goals were scored in 4 of their last 5 games.
- Goal-Heavy Monaco Games: Over 2.5 total goals were scored in 5 of Monaco’s last 6 matches.
- Competitive Head-to-Head: Reims and Monaco’s last 10 meetings have been relatively balanced, with Monaco winning 4 times, Reims 3, and 3 draws.
Players to Watch
Reims
- Folarin Balogun (Forward): The striker remains Reims’ most lethal attacking option. His movement in the box and ability to convert chances will be crucial if Reims hope to trouble Monaco’s defense.
- Junya Ito (Midfielder): Ito’s creativity from midfield will be vital in breaking down Monaco’s defense. Look for him to provide key passes and support Reims’ attacking efforts.
Monaco
- Wissam Ben Yedder (Forward): The prolific striker is a constant goal threat and has been Monaco’s most consistent performer this season. His ability to convert half-chances into goals makes him one of the top forwards in Ligue 1.
- Aleksandr Golovin (Midfielder): Golovin’s playmaking ability from midfield gives Monaco an added dimension in attack. His vision, passing range, and threat from set-pieces are likely to play a key role in this fixture.
Tactical Analysis
Reims will likely adopt a cautious, defensive approach. Given their low goal-scoring output and tendency for low-scoring games, they will aim to frustrate Monaco and look for opportunities to hit on the counter-attack. Reims’ defense will need to be highly organized to contain the attacking threats of Ben Yedder and Golovin.
Monaco are expected to take a more aggressive, attacking approach. Their recent form shows a clear preference for high-scoring matches. They’ll look to control possession, create chances through Golovin’s playmaking, and rely on Ben Yedder’s finishing ability. However, Monaco’s defensive lapses leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks, which Reims will look to exploit.
Predicted Lineups
Reims (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Yehvann Diouf
- Defenders: De Smet, Abdelhamid, Keita, Foket
- Midfielders: Matusiwa, Munetsi, Ito, Teuma, Nakamura
- Forward: Balogun
Monaco (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Philipp Köhn
- Defenders: Vanderson, Maripán, Disasi, Henrique
- Midfielders: Golovin, Fofana, Camara, Minamino
- Forwards: Ben Yedder, Balogun
Prediction & Betting Tips
- Full-Time Result: Monaco to Win Monacos superior attacking quality and recent form give them the edge. Their ability to score multiple goals is a key factor, especially with Reims defensive vulnerabilities.
- Total Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
Given Monacos tendency for high-scoring matches, this is a solid betting option. Monacos attacking strength combined with Reims leaky defense points toward a goal-heavy affair. - Both Teams to Score: Yes
While Monaco are favorites, Reims have the capacity to grab a goal, especially through Balogun or Ito’s creativity. Monaco’s defensive frailties make this bet appealing.
Final Score Prediction
Reims 1-2 Monaco
Expect Monacos firepower to be too much for Reims to handle. While Reims may find the back of the net, Monaco’s superior attacking options should secure a comfortable win.
