Monaco vs AC Ajaccio prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-01-14 16:05.
Monaco looked to bounce back from their Coupe de France elimination to second-tier outfit Rodez, yet a 92nd minute equaliser was needed to rescue a 2-2 draw last time out against fellow top-five challengers Lorient despite having taken the lead. That was the sixth time Monaco have dropped points from a winning position this league season, the most of any side in the competition.
The Red and Whites are therefore clinging onto the final European position in the table prior to the weekend, though they will look to build on their three-game unbeaten run (W2, D1) in the league to catapult them up the table. The Louis II Stadium might aid in providing the catalyst Philippe Clement’s men need, as since their failure to win any of their first three home Ligue 1 games of the season (D1, L2), they’ve fallen to only one home league defeat since (W4, D1).
Ajaccio headed into 2023 off the back of a three-game undefeated streak (W2, D1) to revive their survival hopes, but a 1-0 loss to Reims last time out means the turn of the year has brought back-to-back league defeats for Olivier Pantaloni’s men. Continuing their Coupe de France journey, unlike their hosts, will serve as encouragement for Ajaccio, as they have those in the relegation zone snapping at their heels before the weekend’s action.
Hitting the road has actually proven fruitful for the Bears this season, who’ve marginally earned more points on their travels (eight) compared to seven at home. Visiting Monaco have often proved a step too far recently though, with Ajaccio failing to win any of their six away H2Hs this century (D2, L4).
Players to watch: Breel Embolo has gotten his side off on the right note lately, scoring the match opener in seven of his last eight goalscoring outings for Monaco. Ajaccio’s Mounaïm El Idrissy will want to make his mark here, having proven his threat on the road after scoring four of his last five goals away from home.
Hot stat: The second half has produced more goals than the first in seven of Monaco’s last eight matches.