Monaco vs Lens – News and Probable Lineups

Mônaco will have the chance to reclaim the top spot in Ligue 1 with a draw or victory against Lens at Stade Louis II on Friday night.

A 1-1 stalemate with Strasbourg saw the Principality side drop to second place in the league standings, falling behind Lille due to goal difference, while Lens occupies the 10th spot after a 2-2 draw with Le Mans.

Match overview

After an impressive start to the season, Mônaco faced their initial setback last week, marking the first points they have dropped under the guidance of head coach Filipe Luis.

Despite not securing a win, the club can still achieve the feat of gathering points in their opening five Ligue 1 matches for the second time in three years.

Les Monegasques have conceded the fewest goals in the league up to this point (two) and are tied for the best average of goals allowed per match (0.5).

On Friday, Mônaco could extend their unbeaten streak at home in the top division to six matches, with their last league defeat at Stade Louis II occurring in September 2023 against fierce rivals Nice (1-0).

They remain unbeaten domestically this season when facing an early setback, having picked up four points after going behind in such matches so far.

Additionally, they will aim to secure back-to-back competitive victories over Lens in the same season for the first time since 2014.

One of the most consistent teams in Ligue 1 last season has found it challenging to secure results lately, which has reportedly displeased the upper management at Lens.

This week, the club has made a significant decision, parting ways with Dino Toppmoller by mutual consent after only four Ligue 1 matches, during which the team has allowed multiple goals in each of their competitive fixtures this season.

Yannick Cahuzac will guide a squad that is currently on a two-match unbeaten run across all competitions, having come from two goals down to draw with Le Mans, just days after rallying from a goal down twice to triumph over Slavia Prague in their Champions League opener.

Last season’s second-best defensive unit has showcased their attacking capabilities in the ongoing 2026-27 season, as Lens has scored the joint-second-most goals in the league so far (eight).

While the team has demonstrated significant creativity thus far, Lens has not been as impactful in the final third as they could be, leading the league in big chances missed (15).

Les Sang et Or has gone unbeaten in five of their last six travels to the Principality, winning this encounter last season with a score of 4-1.

Team News

Takumi Minamino is likely to miss another fixture for Mônaco as he recuperates from a cruciate ligament injury, while Ansu Fati is coping with a calf issue and Anis Sobeir is dealing with an ankle problem.

Folarin Balogun, their leading scorer from last season, may also be absent due to a knock, and Edan Diop is grappling with a thigh strain, while Jordânia Teze and Mamadou Coulibaly could be sidelined with injuries.

Paris Brunner has found the net three times in Ligue 1 this season, sitting alongside others in second place for the league’s top goal scorer as his second-half effort in matchday four equalized Sadibou Sane’s own goal.

For Lens, Jhoanner Chavez and Yacine Titraoui are dealing with thigh issues, and Regis Gurtner and Samson Baidoo remain uncertain due to hamstring injuries.

Maik Nawrocki is not expected to be available, as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury, while Saud Abdulhamid’s availability is doubtful due to a knock, though Souleymane Sangnan will be back from his suspension.

On matchday four, Abdallah Sima and Franjo Ivanovic both scored, with Sima netting his first of the new Ligue 1 season.

Mônaco probable starting XI:

Hradecky; Vanderson, Dier, Salisu, Nazinho; Camara, Zakaria; Detourbet, Abline, Golovin; Brunner

Lens probable starting XI:

Risser; Gradit, Antonio, Udol; Aguilar, Haidara, Bulatovic, Hazard; Thauvin, Sima; Ivanovich

While they experienced a loss of points for the first time last week, Mônaco’s determination is anticipated to prevail on Friday against a team that has been slightly more vulnerable defensively than what we are used to.