Auxerre vs AS Monaco Prediction: Easy day for AS Monaco

On 14 September 2024, Auxerre welcomes AS Monaco in what looks to be an intriguing Ligue 1 encounter at Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps. Neither of these teams has set an identical course at the beginning of the season, with Auxerre keen to firm up their form after a mixed opening while Monaco strive to carry on with their push to the very top of the table. Both teams face each other; one fighting for consistency and the other strong at the start of the league.

Auxerre sit 13th in the table with 1 win and 2 losses. Having gone hot and cold, they come off a 3-1 defeat against Le Havre. With just three points from three games, Auxerre will be keen to defend home turf and close the gap between them and the top 10. They have shown a tendency to concede goals, with defensive frailties visible in their last outings.

Auxerre's tactical setup relies a lot on the defensive discipline of the players, which has become a bit problematic-as was highlighted in their defeat in the last game. The challenge for the deep-lying midfield duo will be to manage Monaco's fluid attack. The attacking midfielder behind the lone striker-most probably Gaetan Perrin, who scored in the last match-will be responsible for creativity. Auxerre will most likely be very conservative, deep in their block, relying on counter-attacks and Monaco's expected domination of possession. The backline would be compelled to be as compact as possible to avoid being stretched by Monaco's quick transitions.

The major concern, however, is defensive instability by Auxerre, with the team having conceded in each of their last four games. They tend to give their opponents the lead, and against a high-pressing Monaco, an early goal could well be on the cards for the visitors. Auxerre have been dangerous on the counter-attack all season, particularly with their disciplined attacking transitions, which means Monaco should not take them lightly. Auxerre will have to be disciplined at the back if they are to keep the fluid Monaco attackers from getting into rhythm. They have been vulnerable in the concession of goals, while Monaco's ability to strike first will see Auxerre adopt a reactive approach. Moments of individual brilliance, such as from Gaetan Perrin, or set-pieces will be their best chance of scoring.

On the other hand, AS Monaco is off to a great start with 2 wins and 1 draw, standing in 4th position in Ligue 1. The latest performance in the 1-1 home draw against Lens showed resolve but also some offensive weaknesses, as Monaco failed to create any clear-cut chances despite dominating possession. Monaco will look to get their rhythm once again with more clinical attacking, leaning on their experience and quality depth on the roster.

Monaco have mainly used their 4-2-3-1 system to dominate the middle of the park and use width with attacking full-backs. In midfield, goalscorer against Lens Denis Zakaria will be important as Monaco look to link up the play and break up Auxerre's counters. Monaco will most probably press high as they are looking to win the ball early and transition into an attack. Lying at the heart of their strength is the ability to possess the ball, which was evident by them enjoying 61% possession against Lens.

Including Monaco's undefeated run with their solid defensive record and midfield domination, Monaco are in pole position to dominate the game's tempo. The consistent displays by Monaco suggest that they will have enough resources to break down Auxerre's backline, especially the deeper the game wears on.

Auxerre and AS Monaco have met in a match 20 times lately, with Monaco having a slight advantage over their opponents, managing to win 8 times. Auxerre won 6 times, and 6 matches ended in a draw.

Monaco have bossed the recent meetings, with Auxerre losing each of their last four games to Monaco. The last meeting between the two teams came in February 2023 as Monaco won 3-2 at home in an entertaining contest. Indeed, Monaco are unbeaten in their last seven matches against Auxerre, which points to a long-term advantage in this pairing.

Given Monaco's firepower in attack, an away win is quite possible in light of Auxerre's really meager form in defense. Monaco is expected to dominate the game by dominating possession and outmaneuvering their opponents with superior technical quality. Auxerre may still score from a set-piece or on the break, but Monaco should eventually show its class.

That clean sheet might well be on the cards if Monaco continue with their solidity at the back and Auxerre's attack remains uninspiring. Monaco's pressing style and technical midfield will limit the opportunities that Auxerre get, and Monaco's clinical finishing should be enough to seal the win.

Finally, Auxerre can steal one point if they remain deep and compact and manage to take advantage of a counter-attack or set-piece. At times, the wasteful Monaco attack may give Auxerre a lifeline if the latter are not that sharp in front of goal.

• Away Win @ 1.89 Odds
• Away Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 2.02 Odds
• Away (-0.5) Handicap at 1.900 Odds