Monaco vs Lorient prediction 16.01.2026 | Ligue 1

Monaco return to Ligue 1 action on Friday after a 3:1 Coupe de France win against Orléans last weekend. Late goals from George Ilenikhena put the seal on a relatively straightforward road victory for Les Rouge et Blancs. 

Sébastien Pocognoli's side have endured a tough run of form in Ligue 1, with four defeats recorded in their five most recent league fixtures, including each of their last three games. 

A poor home record and in recent encounters against Lorient will give the hosts plenty of food for thought this week. Monaco lost three of their last four home fixtures, while they have failed to beat Lorient in seven of eight previous meetings. Goals should also be expected in a fixture that has proven an entertaining one in recent years. At least four goals were scored in seven of the last nine meetings between these sides, including each of their last five. 

Monaco are unable to call on several first-team players this weekend, with Mohammed Salisu, Takumi Minamino, Christian Mawissa, Lukáš Hrádecký and Lamine Camara all ruled out, while Thilo Kehrer, Mamadou Coulibaly and Stanis Idumbo Muzambo are suspended. 

Paul Pogba, Folarin Balogun and Ansu Fati face late fitness tests, while Krépin Diatta’s availability remains uncertain.

Lorient make the trip to Stade Louis II in high spirits after a come-from-behind 3:1 win against Hauts Lyonnais in the Coupe de France last weekend. Ahmadou Bamba Dieng bagged twice in the second period as Olivier Pantaloni's side secured their place in the next round. 

A strong run of form has seen the visitors remain unbeaten in each of their last eight matches, including their five most recent Ligue 1 fixtures. Lorient now sit 12th in the division, four point behind ninth-placed Monaco. 

Past encounters between these sides have delivered in the goal markets. Seven of the last nine meetings, including each of the last five, finished with BTTS.

Head coach Olivier Pantaloni has four injury issues this weekend. Panos Katseris and Aiyegun Tosin are ruled out, while Souleymane Isaak Touré and Darlin Yongwa are both listed as doubtful.