Monaco's season, free from the distractions of European football, has seen them mount a significant challenge in the domestic league, sitting just a point behind 2nd-placed OGC Nice after a thrilling 2-3 victory in the Derby de la Côte d'Azur.
This Sunday at Stade Louis II, AS Monaco is set to face off against a Toulouse team that has been grappling with form, currently positioned at 14th in the league standings.
Denis Zakaria and Aleksandar Golovin were instrumental in that win, which dealt a significant blow to Nice's ambitions and showcased Monaco's formidable attack, second only to PSG in terms of goals scored this season.
𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 🆚 @ToulouseFC 🔜 #ASMTFC pic.twitter.com/Ojmlq8FtMW— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) February 15, 2024
𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 🆚 @ToulouseFC 🔜 #ASMTFC pic.twitter.com/Ojmlq8FtMW
However, Adi Hütter's side has also shown vulnerabilities, conceding an average of 1.42 goals over their last 24 matches, an area Toulouse might look to exploit despite their own struggles.
Toulouse's campaign has been a rollercoaster, with the team finding themselves just three points above the relegation zone after two consecutive losses.
In contrast to their home form, their away performance has been relatively good but the recent loss in Lisbon where Angel Di Maria's late penalty sealed their fate against SL Benfica humbled their chance for improving.
Despite these challenges, matches between Monaco and Toulouse at Stade Louis II have historically produced goals, with over 2.5 goals scored in Monaco's last six home league games against Toulouse, pointing towards another potentially high-scoring encounter.
Team news adds to the intrigue, with Monaco missing key players Aleksandr Golovin and Wissam Ben Yedder due to suspension, alongside injuries to Krepin Diatta, Caio Henrique, and Breel Embolo.
Toulouse, too, faces squad dilemmas with Zakaria Aboukhlal, Denis Genreau, and Kevin Keben Biakolo sidelined with injuries, and Gabriel Suazo suspended.
Forebet predicts a compelling match-up where Monaco's attacking prowess is expected to shine through, potentially securing them a dominant victory and a clean sheet, even in the absence of their star players. This clash at Stade Louis II is not just a test of Monaco's title credentials but also a crucial battle for Toulouse in their fight for Ligue 1 survival.