Preview: Monaco - Paris: a test of strength

the table

With eight wins and three draws in an unbeaten first 11 games, AS Monaco showed their intention to challenge for the title from the start of the season. Even if they have recently dropped points in Marseille (2-1) and lost in the Champions League to Benfica (2-3) and Arsenal (3-0), they have 30 points from 15 games, sitting third and level on points with second-placed Marseille (9 wins, 3 draws, 3 defeats in L1).

Paris Saint-Germain got back to winning ways last week. After defeating Salzburg 3-0 in the Champions League, the Red and Blues then showed their domestic rivals they mean business with a 3-1 win over Lyon at the Parc des Princes, comfortably beating a team that had lost just once in its previous 15 games in all competitions. It has left them on 37 points at the top of the league table, seven clear of the chasing pack. 

THE STATS

opposition strengths

Adi Hütter's varies his formations: 4-2-3-1 to 5-2-3 or a 4-3-3. In goal, Radoslaw Majecki is the usual first-choice, but injury means the Poland international sits out and Philipp Kahn will replace him. Former Paris Saint-Germain player Thilo Kehrer will likely underpin the home back line alongside Côte d'Ivoire international Wilfried Songo.

France U-21 international defender Christian Mawissa, who picked up an adductor niggle in Monaco's last match, could start too if Hütter opts for back three, though Ghanaian Mohammed Salisu could also slot in. At right-back, former PSV man Jordan Teze is suspended, but Brazil international Vanderson is back with compatriot and international teammate Caio Henrique on the opposite flank.

France U-21 international Kassoum Ouattara could also feature, but have been changes in midfield with captain Denis Zakaria having been absent through injury. The Switzerland international could return against the Parisians but is unlikely to start. Soungoutou Magassa is most likely to fill Zakaria's role, though Lamine Camara could also feature. Belgium U-21 international Eliot Matazo is a less probable option, while playmaker Aleksandr Golovin will have a more attacking role..

Two players have stood out so far for Monaco up front: Maghnes Akliouche (4 goals and 4 assists in all competition) on the right, and youngster Eliesse Ben Seghir on the left (5 goals, 3 assists). They could consign Japan international Takumi Minamino to the bench while Krépin Diatta is sidelined. Through the middle, Switzerland international Breel Embolo (2 goals, 2 assists) has softened the blow of Folarin Balogun's injury-enforced absence, while George Ilenikhena (2 goals, 2 assists) has also chipped in and is likely to come off the bench at some stage.