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Lorient is set to lock horns with the Ligue 1 leaders Monaco in an anticipated encounter that signifies a stern test for the hosts. The action unfolds at the Stade du Moustoir on September 17, 2023, at 12pm UK time. With Monaco aiming to continue their dominant start to the season, this fixture promises an intriguing battle of tactics and skills.

Analysis

The upcoming face-off between Lorient and Monaco is laced with narratives of revival and dominance. Lorient, under the guidance of Regis Le Bris, has demonstrated an unpredictable yet spirited start to their campaign. They held the mighty Paris Saint-Germain to a goalless draw in the opening week, a testament to their defensive resilience, albeit they were later humbled by the newly-promoted Le Havre in a disappointing 3-0 defeat. Their inconsistent form has them sitting at 11th place with five points, balancing precariously between a fight for European places and relegation woes.

Their home record from the previous season can be a beacon of hope for Lorient, who secured the seventh-best home record in the league, losing only six out of nineteen encounters at their fortress, the Stade du Moustoir. This time around, they would be leaning on the capabilities of their young talents such as Pablo Pagis and the Bournemouth loanee, Romain Faivre, to carve open the Monaco defence. Injuries to key players like Quentin Boisgard and Igor Silva pose challenges, but it also opens doors for others to step up and make a mark.

On the other hand, Monaco has been nothing short of formidable. Taking 10 points from a possible 12, they have solidified their position at the summit of Ligue 1. Their offensive prowess has been a spectacle, with Ben-Yedder and Minamino orchestrating a goal-fest, amassing 15 goals in just four games, an average of a staggering 3.75 goals per game. Their ability to sustain pressure and clinch victories even during away games, as evidenced by their record last season, showcases a team brimming with confidence and class.

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The Monaco attack spearheaded by the in-form Ben-Yedder, accompanied by Minamino and Golovin, is likely to pose a grave threat to the Lorient defence. Their cohesive unit, coupled with a potent midfield duo of Fofana and Camara, could potentially dictate the tempo of the game, making it a challenging outing for Lorient.

In light of the historic encounters between the two teams, it seems Monaco has had the upper hand, with a goal difference favouring them in both home and away fixtures. Notably, Monaco seems to have a knack for scoring between the 16th and 30th minutes, adding an extra layer of caution for Lorient during this period.

Prediction

Goal.mu predicts: Lorient 1-3 Monaco.

Monaco’s current form and superior head-to-head record are too hard to overlook. Their high-flying attack and stable midfield are expected to overpower a Lorient side which is yet to find a consistent rhythm this season. Moreover, with Monaco having a better performance in the last 5 matches and boasting a higher goal average, it seems a safe bet to bank on their victory.

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