The iconic Stade Louis II in the Principality is set to host a pivotal top-five battle as Monaco take on Lens in this highly anticipated Ligue 1 Matchday 12 fixture. This clash sees two European contenders separated by just two points and two places in the table, with the winner holding the potential to solidify a Champions League qualification spot. Monaco, currently fifth, will be desperate to make amends for a shock home defeat in their last league outing, while third-placed Lens arrive with high momentum, having won four of their last five league games. This fixture is a fascinating tactical dual, as both teams favour the same 3-4-2-1 formation, ensuring the contest will likely be decided by fine margins in midfield control and attacking efficiency.
Match Details
This Saturday evening Ligue 1 contest is a direct battle for positioning at the top of the table before the international break.
DetailInformationCompetitionLigue 1 – Matchday 12DateSaturday, November 8, 2025Kick-off7:00 PM GMT (8:00 PM CET)VenueStade Louis II, Monaco
Team Form and Analysis for Monaco
Domestic Form and European Performance
Monaco’s season has been one of high-scoring attack and occasional defensive lapses. They currently sit in 5th position in the Ligue 1 table with 20 points, courtesy of six wins, two draws, and three defeats in their opening 11 matches.
Their six-match unbeaten run across all competitions was abruptly ended by a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to newly-promoted Paris FC in their last league game, a result that scrutinised their generally strong home record. However, they immediately bounced back with a crucial 1-0 Champions League victory away at Bodø/Glimt, showcasing their ability to react positively to adversity. The Les Monegasques have demonstrated impressive attacking intent this season, as evidenced by their high shot volume. Manager Sébastien Pocognoli will rely on his side’s history of not suffering consecutive league home defeats to secure a vital three points.
Key Player: Folarin Balogun
Striker Folarin Balogun remains the potent focal point of the Monaco attack. Despite the team’s recent domestic stumble, the American forward has continued to be a threat, contributing two goals and attempting 13 shots in his last five appearances. Balogun’s combination of pace, sharp movement, and clinical finishing makes him the most likely player to exploit spaces in the Lens backline. He is expected to spearhead the attack in the favoured 3-4-2-1 formation.
Team Form and Analysis for Lens
Domestic Form and Season Performance
Lens have quickly rediscovered the form that saw them qualify for the Champions League last season, establishing themselves as genuine contenders once again. They currently occupy 3rd position with 22 points, two ahead of their hosts.
The Sang et Or have been in excellent form, collecting points in six of their last seven league fixtures and winning four of their last five outings, which includes an emphatic 3-0 victory over Lorient in their last match. Manager Pierre Sage has built a side that is measured, defensively sound, and clinically efficient, a marked contrast to Monaco’s high-volume approach. Despite their overall momentum, their away form remains a potential weakness, with two of their three domestic defeats coming on the road, and a failure to score in three of their five away games this term. They will lean heavily on their league-high 11 goals scored from set pieces to breach the Monaco defence.
Key Player: Odsonne Édouard
Striker Odsonne Édouard has been instrumental in powering Lens’ recent rise in form. The French forward is the team’s leading scorer and comes into the match having netted three goals in his last four appearances. Édouard’s excellent movement, predatory instincts in the box, and ability to convert chances are crucial for a team that relies on efficiency rather than high shot volume. His performance against the experienced Monaco defence will be key to Lens’ chances of securing a crucial away victory.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The historical competitive record between Monaco and Lens in Ligue 1 is closely balanced, with Lens enjoying a slightly better run in very recent seasons.
MetricMonaco WinsDrawsLens WinsTotal Ligue 1 Meetings (All-Time)252617Last 10 Ligue 1 H2H Meetings334Most Recent Result (May 2025)Lens 4-0 Monaco (H)
The overall record between the sides is tight, with the most recent results favouring the northern side. Lens secured a dominant 4-0 victory in the last meeting in May 2025, a result that Monaco will be keen to erase. Historically, Monaco has only won one of their last five home league games against Lens (D1, L3), suggesting the visitors have found the Stade Louis II a challenging but not impossible venue.
Players to Watch
Monaco
Aleksandr Golovin (Midfielder): The creative engine of the Monaco side. Golovin has scored twice recently and will be the primary source of chances and control in the final third, driving the attack in the central channels.
Maghnes Akliouche (Attacking Midfielder): The young attacker has been in good form, registering three goal involvements (one goal, two assists) in his last three games. His direct running and ability to link midfield with Balogun are crucial.
Lens
Samson Baidoo (Defender): The young centre-back has been solid in defence and is a major threat from set pieces, having scored twice this season. His aerial ability will be tested by Balogun.
Jonathan Gradit (Defender): An experienced leader in the back three, Gradit’s defensive organisation and reading of the game will be vital in containing Monaco’s high attacking volume.
Prediction
This match is perfectly poised between Monaco’s ambition and high attacking output and Lens’ superior recent form and defensive structure. The home side’s desire to bounce back from their previous home defeat, combined with their history of not losing consecutive league matches, gives them a strong mental edge. However, Lens’ efficiency, clinical finishing, and lethal set-piece delivery make them a potent threat. Given the tactical parity of the 3-4-2-1 formation for both sides, the game is likely to be decided by which team controls the wide areas and converts chances. Monaco’s home advantage and attacking volume should ultimately be enough to break down the resilient Lens defence, but a clean sheet will be hard-earned against the in-form Édouard.
Score Prediction: Monaco 2-1 Lens
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This Ligue 1 fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be available to watch via TNT Sports and their associated streaming services.
In the United States (US), the match is available to stream on beIN SPORTS and Fanatiz.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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