Monaco vs Reims Prediction

Two sides separated by just one point when last season's Ligue 1 campaign was concluded in April, AS Monaco host Stade Reims this weekend. It seems typical the pair face one another in the curtain-raiser for what promises to be an intriguing 2020-21 season, but can either get off to a winning start on Sunday lunchtime?

Read my match preview, for the correct score predictions and best betting tips ahead of this fixture.

Monaco vs Reims Betting Tips

Monaco and Reims had contrasting pre-season friendly results, though the latter played four more games and started a week earlier. A 3-1 win over FC Midtjylland last Saturday (August 15) finished their friendly slate with a positive record (4-3-1), though they had to come back from a goal down to do so.

Quick-fire goals from fringe midfielders Marshall Munetsi and Dereck made it 2-1, before teenage winger El Bilal Toure added another in stoppage-time. It's unlikely any of the trio will start here, but nonetheless gives David Guion a welcome selection headache to ponder.

As for Monaco, who are under new management in Niko Kovac, they had four friendlies (W2, D1, L1). Felipe Avenatti's late brace saw them lose away at Standard Liege on July 22, but they were comfortable 2-0 winners against AZ Alkmaar in their final fixture last weekend.

Aleksandr Golovin and Wissam Ben Yedder netted one each in either half – two of their key players – which is a welcome sign for Kovac. Both are expected to start, though Stefan Jovetic and Cesc Fabregas are listed as doubtful with respective knocks.

This encounter may also see central defender Axel Disasi face his former side just a fortnight after agreeing a £11.7m move to join Monaco.

Monaco vs Reims Correct Score Predictions

Monaco's strength in attacking depth — I didn't even mention Henry Onyekuru or Gelson Martins — makes them favourites here.

Kovac would love to get off to a winning start in a new league, against a Stade Reims side who will quietly fancy their chances. With 4 wins apiece and 6 draws in their H2H meetings, this could be another closely-contested clash. I'm backing Monaco, though.