Monaco Look to Extend Hot Streak Against Struggling Auxerre
Les Monégasques ride four-game winning run into crucial clash with relegation-battling visitors
Monaco's season has hit top gear at the perfect time, with Adi Hütter's side riding a four-game winning streak that has propelled them up to 7th place in Ligue 1. The Principality club will be looking to make it five wins on the bounce when relegation-threatened Auxerre visit the Stade Louis II on Sunday.
The form guide tells the whole story here. Monaco's LWWWW sequence has seen them collect 12 points from their last 15 available, while Auxerre's DDWLD run reflects their ongoing battle at the wrong end of the table. Sitting 16th with just 24 points from 29 games, AJA desperately need points to avoid the drop.
Denis Zakaria will be Monaco's key man in midfield, with the Swiss international boasting an impressive SAM rating of 84 and averaging 5.5 points per game. Up front, Folarin Balogun has been clinical with 8 goals and 4 assists, maintaining his 81 SAM rating despite some inconsistent performances. His 5.1 points per game average could be crucial against Auxerre's leaky defense.
For the visitors, Daniel Loader has been their standout performer with an 81 SAM rating and team-high 5.9 points per game. The versatile midfielder has chipped in with 2 goals and 2 assists, providing much-needed creativity in Auxerre's battle for survival.
Injuries are wreaking havoc on both camps. Monaco will be without star playmaker Aleksandr Golovin (muscle injury), whose 84 SAM rating and 6.8 points per game will be sorely missed. Defensive stalwarts Caio Henrique, Vanderson, and Mohammed Salisu are also sidelined, leaving Monaco's backline vulnerable.
Auxerre face their own crisis with goalkeeper Donovan Léon suspended following a red card, while defender Clément Akpa's injury further weakens their already fragile defense.
Despite their injury woes, Monaco's superior quality and home advantage should see them through. Expect the hosts to capitalize on Auxerre's defensive frailties and extend their winning run to five games. A comfortable 3-1 victory looks likely.