Monaco vs Nordsjaelland – News and Probable Lineups

Mônaco will aim to maintain their perfect record in the Conference League this Thursday, as they host Nordsjaelland at Stade Louis II.

After two rounds, Les Monegasques share the top spot on points after a convincing 3-0 victory over Freiburg in their latest match, while Nordsjaelland finds themselves in 19th place following a 2-2 draw against CSKA Sofia.

Match overview

Although their domestic form has slipped slightly, Mônaco has been flawless in Europe, winning all four matches in this competition thus far.

Filipe Luis has seen his team struggle in their last three Ligue 1 outings, managing to score just once during that period.

Conversely, they rank third in the Conference League in terms of average goals conceded per match (0.5), trailing only Brighton & Hove Albion and St. Truiden, who hold the best record (0).

At home, they have exhibited particularly solid defensive performances this season, allowing no more than one goal in five of the six matches played at Stade Louis II across all competitions.

Mônaco has scored three or more goals in both of their home games in this competition so far and could extend their unbeaten streak in the League Phase of a European tournament to seven matches on Thursday.

This will be the first time they encounter a Danish team in Europe, with Les Monegasques previously winning their sole European match this decade against a Scandinavian club, defeating Bodo/Glimt 1-0 in Noruega during last season’s Champions League.

While continuing their search for a much-needed victory in this season’s Conference League, Nordsjaelland has demonstrated resilience throughout the League Phase.

Jens Fonsskov Olsen’s side has fought back from a 1-0 deficit in both of their group matches to secure a point, placing them just above the knockout line as they head into matchday three.

Thursday marks their first-ever clash against a Ligue 1 club in Europe, as they strive for their first win in the League Phase of this tournament since thrashing Fenerbahce 6-1 in Dinamarca in 2023.

Their last away victory in this competition occurred in Eslováquia that same year, where they bested Spartak Trnava (2-0), and they are currently on an unbeaten streak of four matches as visitors across all competitions.

The Danes have never lost a Conference League encounter in this part of the tournament when scoring first, having dropped points only once in such situations.

This Thursday, they could face consecutive competitive defeats for the first time this season following their 3-2 loss at home to Midtjylland on Sunday.

Team News

Stanis Idumbo and Ansu Fati are likely to miss out on the Mônaco squad due to hamstring injuries, while Eric Dier is expected to be available after recovering from a thigh strain.

Paris Brunner has been in fine form for Les Monegasques in this phase of the tournament, scoring two goals, including the decisive strike against Freiburg on matchday two, alongside contributions from Lamine Camara and Ansu Fati on that occasion.

Noah Markmann may miss out for Nordsjaelland due to an ankle issue, Victor Nelsson is struggling with a sore shoulder, while Tobias Salquist faces fitness concerns. Additionally, Jakob Busk and Souleymane Alio are dealing with knocks, and Justin Janssen will be suspended.

Ibrahim Adel scored a brace against Sofia, putting him atop the team’s scoring chart in this competition thanks to those two goals.

Mônaco probable starting XI:

Hradecky; Vanderson, Teze, Dier, Mawissa; Zakaria, Camara; Minamino, Golovin, Detourbet; Brunner

Nordsjaelland probable starting XI:

Hansen; Acquah, Tuka, Norheim; Heyde, Brink, Rojkjaer, Lahteenmaki; Berthelsen, Lind, Adel

Anticipating a cautious approach from the Danes, we expect them to sit back and defend throughout the match.

However, Mônaco generally excels offensively at home, and we believe they have the capability to dominate this encounter and eventually break through against Nordsjaelland, who have yet to face a side with as much attacking prowess as Les Monegasques.