Cup Run Could Ease Monaco’s Woes
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This season has been one of huge disappointment so far for Monaco. However, the cup competitions could offer some reward and having played in the Coupe de France on the weekend the attention now turns to the Coupe de la Ligue.
We have reached the quarter-final stage of the competition and every team can sniff the final. Monaco have been drawn at home against fellow Ligue 1 club Rennes, with the match to be played at the Stade Louis II. This is a one off game, with no second chances and the winners will progress to the semi-final.
Monaco have endured a terrible season to date in Ligue 1 and currently sit 19th, 4 points adrift of the safety zone. Thierry Henry will be happy to have the distraction of the cups for one week, having defeated Canet Roussillon in the Coupe de France round of 32 on the weekend.
It was their second win in three games having previously defeated Lorient 1-0 at home in the Coupe de la Ligue before losing 2-0 at home to Guingamp in Ligue 1. Trends show Monaco have won only four of their last twenty-five games this season. They have won just one of their last thirteen home matches in all competitions, losing five of the last six.
Conceding goals at home has been a problem and Monaco have allowed 2 or more goals in seven of their last eight matches at the Stade Louis II in all competitions.
Rennes defeated Nantes 2-1 at home in the previous round of the Coupe de la Ligue and while they would have preferred a home draw, will not be too unhappy at playing Monaco away given their current form.
While Monaco have been struggling, Rennes have been in excellent form recently, winning each of their last six games in all competitions, including one on penalties in the Coupe de France on the weekend. During their run of six wins, Rennes have defeated Lyon away from home in Ligue 1, plus Dijon and Nimes at home in Ligue 1 and Astana at home in the Europa League.
Interestingly, Rennes have played each of their last five games all at home and this will be their first away trip since the win in Lyon back on the 5th December. Trends show Rennes have lost just one of their last seven away games in all competitions and have scored 2 or more goals in four of their last seven on the road.
Team news and Monaco are still without some key players for this game with Danijel Subasic, Stevan Jovetic and Djibril Sidibe all missing due to injury.
Rennes have a few casualties of their own, with Romain Danze and Rafik Guitane our for the season plus Ludovic Baal is unlikely to be fit in time for this match.
This is a game which should see goals and it would not be a surprise to see both teams finding the back of the net. Monaco will be hoping to make use of home advantage but Rennes have travelled well recently and the game could end level, with the possibility of penalties.
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