Depleted Lyon Travels to Monaco in Search of Back-To-Back Wins

Monaco and Lyon are nowhere near their objectives for 2016, as both teams are trailing the leaders by 10 points. Time is quickly running out and their inability to win games recently has resulted in a lengthy downswing that the two squads will try to end tonight.

No Defensive Absentees for Monaco

Monaco is unable to keep clean sheets and concedes goals both at home and on the road, including matches played against mediocre opponents. Their defensive was plagued by injuries, yet for this match Monaco is expected to have its backline intact. Some players will be missing in the midfield and the absence of the Portuguese duo Costa and Carvalho is going to hurt them offensively.

The team had to settle for a single point in each of the last three games and on each occasion they came from behind. Scoring goals has been a problem for Monaco recently, but against Lyon their top priority is to bolster their defenses. Playing catch-up against the former champions is a risky thing to do and manager Jardim needs to exercise caution.

Lyon Would Settle for One Point

The visitors play without eight key players against Bordeaux and lost by a wide margin and were unable to rebound in time for the clash with Valencia. Their injury list still includes seven players and even though two of them are doubtful their return on the pitch won’t make much of a difference.

Traveling to Monaco is difficult in its own right and with so many players missing, Lyon will gladly settle for one point if opportunity arises. They scored few goals recently and that’s why it is worth taking a chance with the under 2.5 market. Bet365 offers odds of 7/10 on this outcome, but they’re expected to drop as kickoff draws near, so punters should move quickly.