Monaco vs Reims Prediction and Betting Tips - bettingexpert

Monaco and Reims clash at Stade Louis II on the 28th of February, 2025, in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter. Monaco, currently 5th in the standings with 40 points, looks to solidify their push for European competition. Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Lille and a mixed bag of results, the home fans will be buoyed by their 7-1 demolition of Nantes.

Reims has a tougher task ahead, sitting 15th with 22 points and battling to avoid relegation. They’ve lost four consecutive Ligue 1 matches, showing a lack of form, but morale remains somewhat intact after a penalty shootout win in the cup quarterfinal against Angers.

Monaco, despite injuries to key players like Aleksandr Golovin and Myron Boadu, remains the bookmakers’ favorite. With Mika Biereth, who recently scored a hat-trick, leading their attack, expect goals. Given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities late in games, a bet on over 3.5 goals is recommended.

Monaco vs Reims Match Preview

This season’s matchup between Monaco and Reims is shaping up to be a fascinating contest. Both teams are bringing unique strengths to the table, and the outcome could significantly impact their standings.

Team Form and Performance

Monaco:
Monaco have been a team to watch this season. Their recent form has been highlighted by some high-scoring affairs, including that astounding 7-1 victory over Nantes. The attack, led by players like Wissam Ben Yedder and Aleksandr Golovin, often creates numerous scoring opportunities, making them a consistent threat to their opponents.

Reims:
Reims, on the other hand, have had their fair share of defensive struggles. They’ve conceded quite a few goals in their recent matches, which isn’t an encouraging sign heading into a game against Monaco’s potent offense. While they do have the capability to find the back of the net, their backline has been less than reliable, particularly in the late stages of games.

Key Players to Watch

• Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco): Monaco’s talisman, known for his clinical finishing and knack for being in the right place at the right time.
• Aleksandr Golovin (Monaco): The playmaker who often orchestrates Monaco’s attacking play with his vision and passing ability.
• Folarin Balogun (Reims): A bright spot for Reims this season, capable of scoring and creating chances.

Venue Insight: Stade Louis II

The game will be hosted at Stade Louis II, Monaco’s fortress. Historically, Monaco have thrived at home, often using the intimate atmosphere of this unique venue to their advantage. Visiting teams typically find it tough to impose their game plan here, and Reims will likely face an uphill battle.

Tactical Overview

Expect Monaco to maintain a high press and fast-paced attacking play. Their aggressive style may force Reims into mistakes, especially given Reims’ recent defensive lapses. Reims might look to counter, using any space left behind Monaco’s forward surges. However, their success in this game plan hinges on their ability to remain tight at the back, which has been questionable of late.

Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the trends and performances of both teams, the prediction leans towards a high-scoring match. Monaco’s offensive firepower, combined with Reims’ defensive vulnerabilities, sets the stage for plenty of goals.

Monaco vs Reims Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Over 3.5 Goals	2.27

Rationale:

• Monaco has been involved in high-scoring games recently, including a 7-1 win against Nantes.
• Reims has struggled defensively, conceding heavily in their last few matches.
• Both teams have historically conceded a significant number of goals between the 76-90 minute interval.

Looking forward to an exciting clash! What are your thoughts on the game?

Monaco Team Analysis

Recent Performance

Monaco’s recent form has been a mixed bag, showcasing both high-scoring victories and defensive lapses. In their last five matches, Monaco managed to secure only one win while suffering three losses and one draw.

Home team	Away team	Result
Lille	Monaco	2-1 (Loss)
Benfica	Monaco	3-3 (Draw)
Monaco	Nantes	7-1 (Win)
Monaco	Benfica	0-1 (Loss)
Paris Saint-Germain	Monaco	4-1 (Loss)

Monaco has averaged an impressive 2.40 goals per game in their last five outings but has struggled to keep clean sheets, failing to do so in any of these matches. Their high-scoring nature is evident, but the inability to maintain a solid defense has been their Achilles’ heel.

Monaco Key Players

Monaco’s standout performer this season has been Mika Biereth, their top scorer with seven goals. The forward’s recent hat-trick against Nantes highlights his attacking prowess and makes him a player to watch. Another key player is Takumi Minamino, who brings creativity and dynamism to Monaco’s midfield.
In defence, Vanderson and Wilfried Singo will need to step up and shore up a backline that has struggled to keep clean sheets.

Expected lineup for Monaco:

• Goalkeeper: Radoslaw Majecki
• Defenders: Vanderson, Christian Mawissa, Wilfried Singo, Krepin Diatta
• Midfielders: Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara, Maghnes Akliouche, Takumi Minamino, Eliesse Ben Seghir
• Attacker: Mika Biereth

Key individual battles will include Biereth against Reims’ centre-backs, and Minamino trying to outwit Reims’ midfielders.

Monaco Suspensions & Injuries

Monaco is currently dealing with a few key injuries, which could significantly impact their performance against Reims.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Folarin Balogun	Shoulder injury	Mid March 2025
Jordan Teze	Muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks
Soungoutou Magassa	Head injury	About 1-2 weeks
Aleksandr Golovin	Groin injury	About 1-2 weeks

These injuries could leave Monaco’s squad depth a bit thin, especially with key figure Aleksandr Golovin out, meaning Adi Hütter will need to find creative solutions in midfield. No suspensions have been reported, so at least Monaco won’t be missing any players due to disciplinary issues. This reduced squad could affect their attacking fluidity and defensive solidity.

Monaco Tactics and Formation

Monaco Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Mika Biereth, the team’s top scorer with 7 goals this season, will lead the attack.
• Midfield Trio: Lamine Camara and Denis Zakaria will anchor the midfield, providing support to attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino.
• Defensive Line-up: Vanderson and Krepin Diatta will operate as wing-backs, with Wilfried Singo and Christian Mawissa as central defenders.
• Notable Strategy: Monaco typically starts strong in the first half, focusing heavily on their right-wing play, orchestrated by the skillful Maghnes Akliouche, aiming to destabilize Reims’ defense.

Given Monaco’s recent mixed form and key injuries, Adi Hütter will be keen to optimize their attacking threat while tightening up their porous defense, which has struggled lately, especially in the 76-90 minute interval.

Reims Team Analysis

Reims Recent Performance

Reims have had a tough run recently, securing only one win in their last five fixtures.
Their form (WLLLW) highlights the struggles they’ve faced, particularly in maintaining defensive solidity, given their lack of clean sheets in the last five games.
Despite this, Reims have managed to score an average of 1.80 goals per game during this period, showing some resilience in attack.

Home team	Away team	Result
Angers	Reims	1-1 (Penalties: 3-5)
Rennes	Reims	1-0 (Loss)
Reims	Angers	0-1 (Loss)
Lyon	Reims	4-0 (Loss)
Bourgoin Jallieu	Reims	0-0 (Penalties: 2-3)

Reims need to tighten up defensively, especially in the periods between the 31st-45th and 76th-90th minutes, where they’ve been most vulnerable.
Coach Samba Diawara will hope to adapt his tactics to address these defensive issues while leveraging the attacking strengths shown by players like Keito Nakamura.

Reims Key Players

Reims’ top scorer, Keito Nakamura, with 8 goals this season, will be pivotal in their attack.
Nakamura’s partnership with forwards Junya Ito and Oumar Diakite could be crucial in breaking down Monaco’s defense.
Another key player is midfielder Teddy Teuma, who can orchestrate play and find those crucial passes.
Reims will need strong defensive performances from Joseph Okumu and Malcolm Jeng to curtail Monaco’s Mika Biereth.
Expected lineup for Reims:

• Goalkeeper: Yehvann Diouf
• Defenders: Hiroki Sekine, Joseph Okumu, Malcolm Jeng, Nhoa Sangui
• Midfielders: Mory Gbane, Amadou Koné, Teddy Teuma
• Attackers: Junya Ito, Oumar Diakite, Keito Nakamura

These players’ individual duels, especially Nakamura vs Monaco’s backline and Okumu vs Biereth, will be key battles to watch.

Reims Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Reda Khadra	Cruciate ligament injury	Late May 2025
Mohammed Daramy	Knee injury	Mid March 2025
Yaya Fofana	Ankle injury	Late April 2025
Abdoul Koné	Unknown	Early March 2025
Jordan Siebatcheu	Hamstring Injury	Mid March 2025

Reims are facing a tough situation with several key players out due to injuries. The absence of Reda Khadra and his creativity will be felt in their attacking options. Mohammed Daramy’s injury also limits their forward depth.

Moreover, the defense takes a hit with Yaya Fofana’s unavailability, placing extra pressure on the remaining defenders to step up. Jordan Siebatcheu’s absence due to a hamstring injury further impacts their attacking fluidity.

The team will need to rely heavily on other squad members to fill these gaps and maintain a solid performance against Monaco.

Reims Tactics and Formation

Reims’ Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Oumar Diakite
• Midfield Trio: Mory Gbane, Amadou Koné, Teddy Teuma
• Defensive Strength: Relies on Joseph Okumu and Malcolm Jeng

Samba Diawara’s side will likely set up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming for a balanced approach. The midfield trio of Gbane, Koné, and Teuma are crucial to maintaining possession and controlling the tempo.

Offensively, the key forward Oumar Diakite, supported by Junya Ito and Keito Nakamura on the wings, aims to exploit any gaps in Monaco’s defense. However, Reims will need to address their vulnerability in conceding goals late in each half, which has been a recurring issue.

Monaco vs Reims Head-to-Head Statistics

Monaco and Reims have faced each other multiple times recently, with both teams sharing victories. Let’s break down their last 5 encounters:

Home	Away	Result
Reims	Monaco	1-1 (PSO: 3-1) (2025-01-14)
Reims	Monaco	0-0 (2024-12-14)
Monaco	Reims	1-3 (2024-01-13)
Reims	Monaco	1-3 (2023-10-07)
Monaco	Reims	0-1 (2023-03-12)

These results showcase a competitive rivalry, with both sides capable of securing important points. Reims have not lost to Monaco in their last four away matches, indicating their resilience on the road.

Odds accurate as of 26/02/2025 19:47, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.