Monaco will put their perfect start to the Ligue 1 season on the line when they travel to Strasbourg in the fourth round.
The visitors have taken nine points from their opening three matches and sit top of the table alone. Strasbourg, meanwhile, have collected six points and will hope home advantage can help them take something from the leaders.
Monaco have made one of their strongest starts in recent years and will be expected to pursue another victory if they are to mount a serious challenge for the Ligue 1 title. However, a draw away to Strasbourg would not be regarded as a disastrous result.
Strasbourg have been consistent in recent seasons and their points tally represents a solid beginning to the campaign. Their meeting with Monaco is expected to be competitive, given the visitors’ current form, with the hosts facing a demanding task if they are to deny the league leaders.
The home side’s recent results offer encouragement. Strasbourg followed a 6-2 away win at Troyes with a narrow 2-1 victory at Lens in their last two matches.
Monaco also arrive in strong form. In the previous round, they came from behind to beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 away from home. Before that, they defeated Marseille 2-0 at home.
Pinnacle888 odds
- Strasbourg to win – 3.15 - Draw – 3.75 - Monaco to win – 2.15
The odds make Monaco the favourites, although Strasbourg’s recent performances suggest the hosts could make the contest difficult.
Key statistics
Strasbourg have won three of their past 10 matches and lost the other seven.
Monaco have won their last three away matches in all competitions.
Four of the clubs’ past five meetings have produced more than 3.5 goals.
Prediction
The suggested Pinnacle888 selections for Strasbourg v Monaco are a Monaco half-time win at 2.55 and fewer than three goals in the match at 1.9.
Those picks reflect Monaco’s strong start and their recent success on the road, while also taking account of the possibility of a closely fought game in which the total number of goals remains below three.