Reims Vs AS Monaco

Monaco will resume their Ligue 1 campaign with a trip to the Stade Auguste-Delaune to face Reims on Saturday evening. This encounter will be a crucial test for Adi Hutter’s side after a tough week that saw them suffer a heavy loss to Arsenal in the Champions League. The match will be a quick turnaround for Monaco as they aim to maintain their position near the top of the Ligue 1 standings, with only one more league game left in 2024.

Monaco's journey so far this season has been marked by a strong start, but inconsistency has begun to creep into their form as the winter break approaches. They briefly occupied first place in the league, showcasing the promise of their attacking style and the potency of their offensive players. However, recent results have shown the cracks that could undermine their hopes for a strong finish to the year. Over the last ten matches in all competitions, Monaco have experienced a mixed bag of results, securing five victories but also suffering five losses. Their recent 3-0 defeat to Arsenal was particularly damaging, as it was their third loss in the last four games.

While the loss to Arsenal came in the prestigious Champions League, it’s the two late defeats in Ligue 1 that have been particularly troubling for Monaco. They fell to both Benfica and Marseille in their recent league outings, and in both instances, the winning goals came late in the match, robbing Monaco of crucial points. These last-minute setbacks were particularly disappointing given that Monaco had held the lead in both games for extended periods. The loss to Marseille, in particular, was painful, as it saw Roberto De Zerbi’s side leapfrog Monaco in the league standings, leaving the principality club in third place, albeit on goal difference.

Despite these setbacks, Monaco can look back on 2024 with some pride. Their overall form has been impressive, with their home form especially strong. The recent 2-0 victory over Toulouse was their ninth win in just 12 home league games, a record that reflects their dominance at the Stade Louis II. Monaco will hope that they can continue this strong form as they close out the year. Their away form has also been commendable, with 10 wins from their last 13 Ligue 1 away fixtures. Notably, Monaco has won their last two trips to Reims, meaning they have the opportunity to achieve a historic third consecutive victory in this fixture.

Historically, Monaco have been dominant in matches against Reims, with the hosts struggling to match the visitors’ strength. The last meeting between these two sides saw Reims emerge victorious with a 3-1 win at the Stade Louis II in January. However, Monaco’s overall record against Reims is far superior, and the home side has not won back-to-back games against Monaco in Ligue 1 since 1974. This long-standing dominance of Monaco in the fixture adds a sense of confidence for the visitors, despite their recent setbacks.

For Reims, recent results have been a cause for concern. They have failed to score in their last two league games, highlighting an ongoing issue with their attacking play. Furthermore, they have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last eight matches at the Stade Auguste-Delaune. These defensive lapses have contributed to a poor run of form, with Reims managing just one win in their last seven league games across all venues. That solitary victory came in a 3-0 win over Le Havre, but it’s been a rare bright spot in what has otherwise been a disappointing stretch for Luka Elsner’s side.

Despite their current struggles, Reims remain in the top half of the Ligue 1 table thanks to a strong start to the season. However, their recent form suggests that this position may not be sustainable if they cannot turn things around. With a tough set of fixtures to close out 2024, including Saturday’s match against Monaco, Reims face a difficult challenge in maintaining their place in the upper half of the table. The upcoming break will offer the team a chance to regroup and recalibrate, but Elsner will need to find solutions to his side's attacking and defensive issues if they are to push forward in the new year.

Looking ahead, Reims' schedule for the early part of 2025 will present opportunities for them to get back on track. Their first three league fixtures of the new year are against teams like Saint-Étienne, Nice, and Le Havre—matches that, on paper, could offer them a chance to collect valuable points. With the break offering a chance to reset, Reims will need to use this time wisely and come back stronger in 2025. However, before that, they must navigate the difficult task of facing Monaco, who will arrive at the Stade Auguste-Delaune looking to rebound from their own disappointing run of form.

For Monaco, the game against Reims represents an opportunity to regain momentum and keep pace with the top two teams in Ligue 1. They will need to shake off their recent setbacks and produce a solid performance against a Reims side that has shown vulnerability, particularly at home. Monaco's attacking firepower, led by their talented forward players, will be key to breaking down a Reims defense that has struggled to keep teams out. Meanwhile, their own defense will need to be solid to prevent Reims from capitalizing on any mistakes.

In terms of personnel, Adi Hutter will have to manage the fatigue from Monaco’s midweek Champions League exertions, as the team prepares for their penultimate league game of the year. The tight turnaround between games will test the squad's depth, but Monaco has the quality to get a positive result. Players like Wissam Ben Yedder and Aleksandr Golovin will be crucial in ensuring that Monaco can capitalize on their attacking opportunities, while the defense will need to ensure they don’t fall victim to late goals as they have in recent weeks.

For Reims, the game against Monaco presents a chance to break their recent slump and prove that their strong start to the season was not a fluke. Luka Elsner will need to find a way to unlock his team’s attacking potential while shoring up the defense to avoid conceding cheap goals. With the right adjustments, Reims could pose a real challenge to Monaco, but they will need to be at their best to get a positive result.

The clash between Reims and Monaco is shaping up to be an intriguing encounter, with both teams having a lot to prove. Monaco will be looking to bounce back from their recent setbacks and end 2024 on a high note, while Reims will be aiming to rediscover their form and make a push for the top half of the table. With the stakes high for both sides, this match promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair. For Monaco, a win would be crucial in maintaining their position near the top of the table as they head into the winter break, while Reims will be hoping for a much-needed three points to reignite their season.