Monaco v Lens: Probable line-ups for Ligue 1 clash at Stade Louis-II

Monaco host Lens at the Stade Louis-II on Friday, 18 September at 18:45 GMT, with both sides preparing for their fifth Ligue 1 match of the season.

Ahead of the fixture, Africafoot has outlined the likely starting line-ups for the two teams.

Monaco

AS Monaco will look to continue their positive momentum on home ground when they welcome Lens. The Principality club are expected to rely on the pace and direct play of their wingers as they attempt to unsettle their opponents.

However, Monaco face the match with a crowded injury list and several significant absences.

Lukas Hradecky is expected to start in goal, with Vanderson, Sadibou Sane, Eric Dier and Flavio Nazinho forming the defensive line.

Lamine Camara and Denis Zakaria are likely to operate in midfield, while Matthis Abline, Aleksandr Golovin and Stanis Idumbo are expected to provide support in the attacking areas.

Paris Brunner is the probable lone striker.

Probable Monaco XI: Lukas Hradecky; Vanderson, Sadibou Sane, Eric Dier, Flavio Nazinho; Lamine Camara, Denis Zakaria; Matthis Abline, Aleksandr Golovin, Stanis Idumbo; Paris Brunner.

Lens

Lens will travel to Monaco aiming to remain compact and improve their defensive organisation.

The club have received a boost with the return of Ismaelo Ganiou to the squad. His availability is expected to add greater solidity to the back line.

At the other end of the pitch, Lens will look to Florian Thauvin to dictate their attacking play. The experienced forward is expected to play a central role in creating opportunities for the visitors.

Robin Risser is set to start in goal. Ismaelo Ganiou, Kyllian Antonio and Todibo are the likely defensive trio.

Ruben Aguilar, Andrija Bulatovic, Michael Cuisance and Matthieu Udol are expected to form the midfield.

Florian Thauvin and Abdallah Sima could support Odsonne Edouard in attack.

Probable Lens XI: Robin Risser; Ismaelo Ganiou, Kyllian Antonio, Todibo; Ruben Aguilar, Andrija Bulatovic, Michael Cuisance, Matthieu Udol; Florian Thauvin, Abdallah Sima, Odsonne Edouard.

With the meeting approaching, betting company 1xbet has priced an AS Monaco victory at 2.20. A draw is listed at 3.60, while a Lens win is valued at 2.80.