AS Monaco vs Stade Brestoise Prediction: Second-placed Monaco aims to maintain their title push, while Brest fights to recover from their dip in form

Set up in Monaco's Stade Louis II is an interesting Ligue 1 meeting between AS Monaco and Stade Brestoise. The Monaco team has high hopes for the title, while the Brest team is keen to move themselves out of mid-table obscurity. With all these contrasting recent results, tactical nuances, and key players in form, this promises to be a battle that beguiles football fans and bettors alike.

Monaco has been a force this season under the tutelage of Adolf Hütter, performing superbly well to lie second on the table. Eric Roy's Brest has, however, found life difficult but is usually a good side to cause upsets. The two teams lock horns with drama and skills expected, probably with some surprises.

Adolf Hütter's Monaco come into this tie in high spirits after a convincing 3-1 win over Strasbourg. A late flourish spearheaded by Eliesse Ben Seghir, scoring a brace, accompanied by an injury-time strike by George Ilenikhena, sealed all three points. Monaco has retained their 4-2-3-1 formation as a blueprint for the attacking fluidity and solidity at the back.

Currently lying second in Ligue 1, Monaco sits with 7 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. The recent form with three wins and two losses in the last five games paints more of a tale of their potential, yet also of some occasional vulnerabilities. Notably, Monaco thrives on the facet of game control, as seen in their impressive ability for creating big chances-a stunning number of 6 against Strasbourg-although discipline still calls into question their frequent fouls and numerous bookings.

All in all, Brest's journey under Eric Roy has been a mixed bag. After a promising start to the season, they've faltered, sitting 12th with a record of 4 wins, 1 draw, and 6 losses. The recent outing against Montpellier was a 3-1 loss and exposed frailties at the back, despite a commanding lead in possession-67%. Jonas Martin provided a solitary goal in that match, showcasing flashes of Brest's attacking potential.

Using a 4-3-3 formation, the Brest team often dominates the possession but consistently fails to turn that possession into points. They have conceded goals in each of the last six games, a dubious trait when playing against a Monaco team famous for their attack. Their tendency for competitive games with both teams scoring - GGs in 5 of their last 6 matches - could spell trouble against Monaco's defense.

The record after their last 11 meetings shows Monaco leading 7-4, with no draw registered between the teams. This history reflects Monaco's superiority, especially at home, where they have consistently exposed Brest's frailties. The last few meetings have been high-scoring, further suggesting a possible goal fest.

It is indeed a classic case of the title contender against the mid-table strugglers. Monaco clearly has more quality depth, superior attacking firepower, and tactical flexibility. Despite having some dangerous players, Brest still lack consistency and solidity at the back to seriously worry teams like Monaco for the whole ninety minutes.

Still, Brest's recent goalscoring performances cannot be understated, and their determination may put Monaco's backline to test. Expect a game where Monaco dominates, taking possession of the game, while Brest performs some isolated counterattacks.

• Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.705 Odds
• Monaco Wins & Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.70 Odds
• Correct Score 3-1 @ 12.00 Odds