As the calendar flips to 2026, Ligue 1 fans are treated to a classic showdown at the Stade Louis II, where AS Monaco host Olympique Lyon in Matchday 17 action. Both teams, storied rivals with plenty to prove, enter this contest with contrasting fortunes and plenty of intrigue swirling around their lineups, recent form, and ambitions for the new year.
Monaco’s campaign has been anything but smooth sailing. Under coach Sébastien Pocognoli, the Monegasques find themselves ninth in the standings, level on 23 points with Toulouse and Strasbourg, and four points adrift of the European qualification places. The side’s rollercoaster season is reflected in their recent Ligue 1 form: they’ve managed just three points from their last six league outings, a stark contrast to the consistency that earned them a third-place finish last season. Their struggles were compounded by a string of five defeats in six matches to close out 2025, leaving supporters eager for a turnaround.
Yet, Monaco have shown flashes of their potential. Notable wins over Paris Saint-Germain and strong showings in both the Champions League and Coupe de France—where they advanced to the round of 32 after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Auxerre on December 21—hint at a team capable of much more. The switch to a four-at-the-back system has tightened the defense, but injuries and absences continue to hamper Pocognoli’s options.
The squad list for this clash underscores Monaco’s challenges. Captain Denis Zakaria is sidelined, while Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba are both ruled out with muscle and calf injuries, respectively. Takumi Minamino, who limped off with a knee injury against Auxerre, is a major doubt. To make matters trickier, Lamine Camara and Krepin Diatta are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal. With so many key names missing, Monaco’s depth will be tested. The likely starting XI sees Hradecky in goal, with Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, and Henrique across the back, Teze and Akliouche anchoring the midfield, and a front line featuring Balogun and Biereth, both of whom have been tasked with providing the goals in the absence of regular starters.
Speaking of goals, Folarin Balogun remains one of Monaco’s most potent threats. The American striker has four goals in 13 Ligue 1 appearances this season, including one from the penalty spot. Balogun has found the net in four separate matches, overperforming his expected goals tally by a remarkable four goals. Averaging 1.4 shots per game, he’s proven capable of making the most of limited opportunities—a trait Monaco will need if they’re to breach Lyon’s resolute defense. As of the latest odds, Balogun is priced at +155 to score in this fixture, underlining his status as a player to watch.
On the other side, Lyon arrive in the Principality riding a wave of confidence. Paulo Fonseca’s men have shaken off a December slump to win five of their last six matches in all competitions, including three straight victories to close out 2025. Their last outing saw them dispatch St Cyr Collonges 3-0 in the Coupe de France, while they’ve also enjoyed success in the Europa League, sitting atop their group with 15 points from a possible 18. In Ligue 1, Lyon are fifth with 27 points from 16 matches, level with sixth-placed Rennes and just a step behind the Champions League places.
Lyon’s resurgence has been built on defensive solidity and attacking flair. They’ve kept clean sheets in their last two games, and their league record shows just 16 goals conceded in 16 matches—the fourth-best defensive mark in Ligue 1. Offensively, they’ve scored 22 times, with a +6 goal differential that ranks fifth. However, their Achilles’ heel has been their away form: Lyon have not won on the road in Ligue 1 for over three months, picking up just two points from their last five away games since a narrow 1-0 win at Lille in September.
Injuries and absences have also affected Lyon. The team will be without Ernest Nuaah and Malik Fofana due to knee and ankle injuries, while experienced defender Moussa Niakhate is away with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite these setbacks, Fonseca’s squad has found ways to adapt, with Pavel Sulc emerging as a key figure. The Czech international has been on a tear, netting four goals and providing three assists in his last six matches—including a brace in the Coupe de France win. Sulc is expected to lead the line alongside Martin Satriano and Afonso Moreira, giving Lyon a dynamic edge in attack.
The predicted Lyon lineup features Greif in goal, a backline of Vinicius, Kluivert, Hateboer, and Maitland-Niles, with Merah, Morton, and Tolisso in midfield, and the aforementioned attacking trio up front. Fonseca’s tactical flexibility has been a hallmark of Lyon’s recent success, and he’ll be hoping to finally end their away drought at the Stade Louis II.
History between these two sides adds another layer of intrigue. Over their last 10 meetings, Monaco and Lyon have split the results evenly, with five wins apiece. Monaco completed the league double over Lyon last season, winning both fixtures 2-0. Interestingly, Monaco have scored first in six of their last seven encounters with Lyon, tallying a combined 19 goals across those matches since February 2022. Yet, in five of the last eight meetings, only one side managed to find the net, underscoring the potential for a cagey affair.
Statistically, Monaco have scored at least twice in seven of their last 10 matches against Lyon, but with the current injury crisis and Lyon’s defensive form, that trend may be under threat. Bookmakers have Monaco as slight favorites, with odds of 19/20 (a 51.2% implied probability), while Lyon are given a 29.4% chance of victory and a draw sits at 25.6%. Given Monaco’s home advantage and Lyon’s struggles on the road, the outcome is far from certain—especially with both teams missing key personnel.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on how Monaco cope with their depleted squad and whether Lyon can finally break their away hoodoo. Will Balogun deliver once again for Monaco, or will Sulc’s hot streak continue for Lyon? With both sides eager to kick off 2026 on a high, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle at the Stade Louis II.
For those looking to tune in, the match is set for 11:00 AM ET and will be broadcast live on Fubo. With so much at stake and plenty of storylines to follow, this Ligue 1 clash promises drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises before the final whistle blows.
As the action unfolds in Monaco, the stakes couldn’t be higher for two teams with their sights set on climbing the Ligue 1 table. The outcome remains up in the air, but one thing’s for sure—neither side will leave the pitch without a fight.