Monaco vs Lorient Preview: Ligue 1 Matchday 18
The Ligue 1 season resumes on Friday evening as Monaco host Lorient at Stade Louis II in matchday 18 of the 2025–26 domestic campaign.
Both sides return to action aiming to build momentum at the start of the new year. Monaco arrive after a disappointing home defeat, while Lorient will be encouraged by their recent run of positive results.
Current Situation
Monaco began 2026 with a 3-1 loss at home to Lyon, a result that saw them drop to ninth place in the Ligue 1 standings. That defeat continued a difficult spell for the Principality club, who have struggled for consistency since mid-December.
Despite recording a notable win over Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the season, Monaco have since found it hard to maintain form. They have lost three consecutive league matches and have picked up points in just one of their last seven Ligue 1 outings. As a result, they now sit several points outside the European qualification positions.
Home form has also been an issue. Monaco have conceded heavily in recent matches at Stade Louis II and will be keen to tighten up defensively. One positive statistic for the hosts is that they have won every home league match this season in which they have scored first, although those occasions have been limited.
Lorient, meanwhile, appear to be moving in the right direction. After a slow start to the campaign, the Brittany-based club have gradually improved their results and now find themselves on a six-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1.
That improvement has helped Lorient pull clear of the relegation zone, creating a small but valuable points cushion. Their away form has also strengthened, with the team unbeaten in their last four competitive matches on the road. Lorient will take confidence from their previous meeting with Monaco earlier this season, when they recorded a 3-1 home victory.
Team News
Monaco are dealing with several injury concerns ahead of Friday’s match. Paul Pogba, Takumi Minamino, Mohammed Salisu and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky are all expected to miss out due to knee problems. Christian Mawissa and Ansu Fati are also doubts with hamstring issues, while Vanderson is recovering from a knock.
Defender Thilo Kehrer returns to the squad after serving a suspension, while Mamadou Coulibaly remains unavailable due to an ongoing ban. In addition, Lamine Camara and Krépin Diatta are still away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Lorient have a much shorter injury list, with Panos Katseris the only confirmed absentee as he continues his recovery from a leg injury. Bamba Dieng is expected to feature prominently after scoring his first league goal of the season in their most recent outing.
Expected Lineups
Monaco:
Kohn; Kehrer, Dier, Teze; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Biereth, Golovin, Henrique; Balogun
Lorient:
Mvogo; Silva, Meite, Adjei; Mvuka, Abergel, Cadiou, Le Bris; Dieng, Soumano, Pagis
Match Outlook
Monaco will be aiming to use home advantage to end their recent losing run, but their current injury situation and lack of rhythm could make that difficult. Lorient’s recent consistency and improved away form suggest they are capable of competing strongly once again.
Prediction: Monaco 1-1 Lorient
A closely contested encounter is expected, with both teams likely to cancel each other out and settle for a share of the points.