As the AS Monaco prepares to face FC Lorient in the opening match of Ligue 1’s 18th matchday, several key statistics provide insights into both teams. The match is scheduled for 19:00 at the Stade Louis-II in Monaco.
Lorient Pre-Match Stats: Balogun’s Movement and 250th Game Insights
Recent Performance
AS Monaco is eager to secure its first Ligue 1 victory since defeating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at the Stade Louis-II. They have encountered challenges against Lorient, winning only one of their last eight matches against them, which took place in April 2023 when they triumphed 3-1. In their earlier encounter this season, Monaco lost 1-3 in Brittany.
Lorient’s Struggles
FC Lorient is currently facing difficulties, having failed to win any of their last 13 away games in Ligue 1, accumulating four draws and nine losses. They have struggled offensively, remaining goalless in nine of those matches. This season, they have collected 13 fewer points on the road compared to their home games.
Goals and Scoring Trends
- Monaco has scored in 14 of their last 15 home matches against Lorient, totaling 27 goals. The lone shutout occurred in February 2022.
- Folarin Balogun has been a standout for Monaco, scoring four goals against Lorient, which is more than he has against any other team. His first goal for the club came against Lorient in September 2023.
Key Players to Watch
For Lorient, striker Bamba Dieng has been in excellent form recently, scoring six goals in his last three matches across all competitions. He matches his total this season with six goals, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking efforts.
A Milestone Appearance
This match is particularly significant for Aleksandr Golovin, as it marks his 250th appearance for AS Monaco since joining the club in 2018. His contributions have been key for the team, and this milestone highlights his ongoing impact.
Defensive Insights
Interestingly, Lorient has faced only 164 shots this season, the second lowest in Ligue 1, but they have a conversion rate of 16.5%, the highest in the league.
As the teams prepare for this engaging matchup, both the historical rivalry and current forms will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the game. Fans are eager to see if Monaco can reverse their recent fortunes against a struggling Lorient side.
