Monaco vs Strasbourg Prediction: A win for the home side with goas from both teams

As Monaco and Strasbourg square off at the Stade Louis II on Sunday, August 20, the French Ligue 1 resumes with a new slate of games. Both teams will enter the weekend hoping to take up where they left off in the league opener after beginning the season on a winning note.

Monaco's victory against Clermont Foot on Sunday was the perfect way to kick off the new campaign. Prior to that, Adolf Hutter's team suffered losses in all three of their preseason contests, including a shootout loss against Arsenal on August 2 in the Emirates Cup final. Monaco will try to halt their streak of three straight league games at the Stade Louis II without a win going into their opening home game of the new Ligue 1 season.

The 2023-24 season began on Sunday with a remarkable victory for a brand-new-look Strasbourg team over Olympique Lyon. That came after a strong preseason campaign in which they won twice and went undefeated in four of their five friendlies.

The difficult task of taking on an adversary that won both home and away matches between the teams last season awaits Vieira's team next.

Last weekend, after a goalkeeping error from the newly signed Philipp Kohn let a header slip through his fingers in the opening game of the season. However, goals from Vanderson and Wissam made up for it. 

Only Rennes are above Monaco in the standings with one game played after Monaco's opening victory, which was the ideal cure for a three-game losing streak to close their summer friendly. The podium spots have become uncharted territory for Monaco in recent seasons, and it remains to be seen if Hutter's team can continue to push for a Champions League spot as the season wears on. However, the hosts won't have to worry about any continental obligations in 2023-24.

Strasbourg welcomed Lyon to the Stade de la Meinau last weekend in a dugout duel between two giants of the French game. Strasbourg was entering an exciting new age after the new acquisition.

After over an hour played with no goals, a free kick from Bellegarde's eluded everyone and into the back of the net. With 15 minutes left, Lebo Mothiba brought joy to Strasbourg after reading another goal.

In the 88th minute, the deficit was reduced after Tagliafico slammed the ball, but it was too late for Lyon to salvage anything from the match as Strasbourg continued their strong preseason form.

It will undoubtedly be difficult for Strasbourg's managers to replace the potent strike duo of Ludovic Ajorque and Habib Diallo, but Les Coureurs have already signed Angelo Gabriel on a loan from Chelsea, and they may be able to expect more players from Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks and months.

However, Vieira can only worry about what happens on the pitch, and Strasbourg lost to Monaco twice in the 2022-23 season.

While beating Lyon is no easy task, Strasbourg will find it difficult to win this fixture as the team is yet to make a substantial improvement to the squad.  

Monaco's attacking firepower will undoubtedly be too much for Strasbourg to handle, despite Monaco's revamped backline giving their guests a few chances to make the net bulge. Strasbourg played Monaco last season and lost both home and away.

A win is expected for the home side with goals from both teams.