Sabasports Match Preview
Ligue 1: AS Monaco vs Strasbourg
Kickoff Time: 2025-08-31 23:15 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Liselotte Sabroe
AS Monaco finished as runners-up in the league last season and has qualified for the UEFA Champions League this season. During the summer transfer window, the team strengthened its squad by signing several high-profile players, such as former Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba and Bayern Munich defender Eric Dier, among others. They also secured the loan signing of Barcelona’s young talent Ansu Fati, slightly boosting their overall strength compared to last season. Currently, Monaco’s first-team squad boasts a total market value of €386 million, ranking second in the league. However, the team’s start to the new season has been less than ideal, with only one win and one loss. This can partly be attributed to some players seeking transfers before the window closes, including French U21 defensive midfielder Soungoutou Magassa and winger Eliesse Ben Seghir. Fortunately, Monaco will be highly motivated for this match, as August 24 marked the club’s 101st anniversary, making this their first home game following the celebration.
Strasbourg finished seventh in the league last season and is set to compete in the UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs this year. They secured a 3-2 away victory against Danish giants Brøndby at midweek, advancing to the Conference League group stage. Backed by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, the club has significantly increased its investment, spending €102 million in the summer transfer window to sign several promising young talents. These include 20-year-old striker Joaquin Panichelli, who scored 20 goals and provided four assists in the Spanish second division last season, and 21-year-old central defender Soumaila Coulibaly, who gained Champions League experience with Brest last season. Compared to last season, Strasbourg’s squad strength has greatly improved. In the league, although Strasbourg has started with two consecutive wins, their performances have lacked conviction, as they only managed narrow 1-0 victories against relegation-threatened teams like Metz and Nantes. This suggests they have been affected by their Conference League playoff commitments. Particularly in their home game against Nantes, the team registered 15 shots but converted only one, highlighting their poor attacking efficiency.
Monaco has consistently been a strong home team in Ligue 1, boasting a 70% home win rate last season. In contrast, Strasbourg, despite having one of the youngest squads in Europe’s top five leagues, often struggle away from home due to the influence of opposing fans. Last season, for instance, Strasbourg’s home record ranked sixth in the league, but their away record was only 10th. Now, with Strasbourg facing a congested fixture schedule, their players’ fitness and form are unlikely to be at their peak. It is expected that the experienced Monaco side will seize the opportunity to secure all three points at home.
AS Monaco‘s Last 5 Games: LWLDL
25-08-25 Lille 1-0 AS Monaco
25-08-17 AS Monaco 3-1 Le Havre
25-08-09 AS Monaco 1-2 Inter
25-08-03 Ajax 2-2 AS Monaco
25-05-18 Lens 4-0 AS Monaco
Strasbourg‘s Last 5 Games: WWDWL
25-08-29 Brøndby IF 2-3 Strasbourg
25-08-24 Strasbourg 1-0 Nantes
25-08-22 Strasbourg 0-0 Brøndby IF
25-08-17 Metz 0-1 Strasbourg
25-07-27 Galatasaray 3-1 Strasbourg
Head-To-Head Record
25-04-20 AS Monaco 0-0 Strasbourg
24-11-10 Strasbourg 1-3 AS Monaco
24-03-10 Strasbourg 0-1 AS Monaco
23-08-21 AS Monaco 3-0 Strasbourg
23-04-02 AS Monaco 4-3 Strasbourg
Prediction: AS Monaco to win