Monaco – Valenciennes

Monaco is just 2 points from PSG in the standings and with Valenciennes down on 18th place, hosts will for sure be confident of getting a win without much trouble at home. PSG has a tough game with Lille so Monaco can book the first place until Sunday if they win this, and realistically hope to hold it until next round.

Monaco-s recent form has been fantastic: 5 consecutive wins with no goals allowed! The excellent defense allows Monaco to play with much confidence, because their attack with Falcao or Rodriguez is obviously able to create and score goals at any time. Seems like the all-start squad they have is finally blending. Monaco at home was top class until now: 7 wins, 2 draws, 16-4 goal difference. Dirar is out for Monaco, Carrasco is questionable and the so is Falcao. But this is rather good news because Falcao was out for some time and he might return today. Anyway, Monaco won 4 consecutive games without him, so they should be ok, but chances are he will at least enter in the second half.

Monaco lineup: Subasic – Raggi, Carvalho, Abidal, Kurzawa – Toulalan, Obbadi – Rodriguez, Moutinho, Martial – Riviere (Falcao)

Bet with the best odds and highest limits at Pinnacle.

Valenciennes is in a bad, bad spot. Without a win in the last 6 games they also lost three of the last 4 so their form is horrible. Valenciennes has 11 points in 18 rounds, is 1-2-6 when playing away and they come after a 2-1 loss at Bordeaux. The only good thing for Valenciennes is they usually managed to keep games close, but in the end they usually end up on the losing side. Rose, Pujol, Le Tallec, Nguette and Traore will not play for the visiting team.

Valenciennes lineup: Penneteau – Nery, Kagelmacher, Angoua, Ciss – Doumbia, Enza-Yamis – Ducourtioux, Dossevi, Masuaku – Bahebeck

For sure most of the punters will pick Monaco to win this game and maybe even cover the handicap, but that is not always a bad thing and in this case I am happy to go with the general opinion.

Monaco is in too good form, strong at home and they are finally within touching distance from PSG in the standings – so anything but a win would be a huge surprise. They can keep a clean sheet again, and if this is the case than a -1,5 handicap looks very likely. The only thing Valenciennes has going for them is their ability to lose games by a slim margin, but on the road against Monaco it is a different story with a much stronger opponent. Also Valenciennes lost only 1 time against Monaco in the last 10 matches, but of course this season Monaco is a totally different team. My tip for this Ligue 1 match is Monaco to win with a 1 goal handicap and climb to the 1st spot in the table. Monaco – Valenciennes 3-0.

Pick: Monaco (-1,5)
Odds: 1.95 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 6.65
Event date: 20 December

Editor Facts

• Ocean has 1 won and 4 lost in his December picks