AS Monaco manager Adi Hütter could name an unchanged side from last week’s 2-2 draw against FC Lorient as they face local rivals OGC Nice in the Côte d’Azur Derby on Friday night.
The major question is whether, given the threat posed by Nice’s Terem Moffi, Denis Zakaria will be moved back into the defence in lieu of Soungoutou Magassa. Should that be the case, Mohamed Camara would logically replace Zakaria in midfield. However, should Magassa start, Les Monégasques would likely field an unchanged side. Wissam Ben Yedder is expected to retain his starting spot, despite Folarin Balogun making a decisive entry against Lorient last week. He scored his first goal for the Principality club in his second game just three minutes after replacing Ben Yedder.
There are no fresh injury concerns for Monaco, but no returnees either. Eliesse Ben Seghir and Edan Diop are both nearing returns, the latter is now once again involved in first-team training. Breel Embolo and Mohamed Salisu are more long-term absentees, whilst Gelson Martins will be left out as he no longer features in the club’s plans.
Monaco likely lineup v Nice
Philipp Köhn; Soungoutou Magassa, Guillermo Maripán, Wilfried Singo; Caio Henrique, Denis Zakaria, Youssouf Fofana, Vanderson; Aleksandr Golovin, Wissam Ben Yedder, Takumi Minamino.
