Le Havre vs Monaco Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 24 January

Le Havre will face Monaco in a highly anticipated Ligue 1 clash at the Stade Océane on Saturday, 24 January. This match promises to be an intriguing encounter as both teams look to secure vital points in the league standings. Le Havre, playing at home, will aim to use their familiarity with the Stade Océane to challenge Monaco, who are renowned for their attacking prowess.

Monaco, traditionally one of the stronger sides in Ligue 1, will be eager to assert their dominance and continue their push up the table. Meanwhile, Le Havre will be determined to make a statement against a top-tier opponent. This matchup not only promises an exciting display of football but also offers interesting opportunities for betting enthusiasts looking to capitalise on the dynamics of a home versus away game in the French league.

Le Havre vs Monaco Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score in the first half: yes	4

I recommend a bet on both teams to score in the first half. Le Havre’s attacking style at home often leaves them exposed defensively, while Monaco excel at exploiting such spaces early on. With both teams demonstrating defensive lapses in the opening stages, the chances of an early goal from each side are high.

• Le Havre have scored in 78% of their home matches this season, showing they can find the net early.
• Monaco concede an average of 1.9 goals per game, indicating vulnerability in defence.
• Referee Marc Bollengier has awarded 6 penalties in 9 matches this season, increasing the likelihood of early goals from set-pieces.

Betting Odds

Le Havre face a tough challenge against Monaco, with the visitors priced as favourites at 1.98. Le Havre, playing at home, are given odds of 3.48, suggesting a potential upset could be on the cards for those backing the underdog. Meanwhile, a draw is valued at 3.71, reflecting the competitive nature of Ligue 1.

Betting Tip	Odds
Le Havre to win	3.48
Draw	3.71
Monaco to win	1.98

For those considering alternative markets, betting on over 2.5 goals is worth a look, given Monaco’s attacking prowess. Both teams to score is another enticing option, especially with Le Havre’s home advantage.

Le Havre Analysis & Past Performance

Le Havre’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their latest encounter ended in a 1-1 draw against Rennes, highlighting their struggle to secure victories away from home. This recent draw adds to a sequence of results that includes a notable 2-1 home victory over Angers and a disappointing 0-2 defeat by Amiens in the Coupe de France.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Rennes	Le Havre	1 – 1 (Draw)	Ligue 1	18 Jan 2026
Le Havre	Angers	2 – 1 (Win)	Ligue 1	4 Jan 2026
Le Havre	Amiens	0 – 2 (Loss)	French Cup	21 Dec 2025
Lyon	Le Havre	1 – 0 (Loss)	Ligue 1	14 Dec 2025
Le Havre	Paris FC	0 – 0 (Draw)	Ligue 1	7 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five Ligue 1 games, Le Havre have averaged 0.60 goals per match while conceding an average of 1.00. They have managed to keep just one clean sheet, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Their home form is slightly better, with a win ratio of 20% in their last five home games, reflecting some advantage when playing at Stade Océane. However, the team has only managed to score in two of those encounters, suggesting issues in converting chances.

Le Havre currently sit 14th in the Ligue 1 standings with 19 points, underlining a challenging season so far. Their overall performance statistics reveal a win ratio of 22% across the season, with a total of 16 goals scored and 24 conceded in 18 matches. Issa Soumaré is a key player for them, having scored three goals, but the team needs a more collective effort to improve their fortunes.

• DWLLD

Le Havre Suspensions & Injuries

Le Havre face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. The absence of Mohamed Bayo, who is out with a sprained ankle until late May 2024, will be felt in their attacking options. Meanwhile, Abdoulaye Touré and Reda Khadra are both sidelined with knee and shoulder injuries respectively, expected to return in early February 2026. These missing players could significantly impact Le Havre’s midfield and attacking dynamics against Monaco.

Issa Soumaré and Gautier Lloris are doubtful for the upcoming match, dealing a further blow to Le Havre’s squad depth. Soumaré’s knock and Lloris’s hamstring issues add uncertainty to their availability, which might force coach Didier Digard to make tactical adjustments. These injuries could necessitate a more conservative approach or a reliance on less experienced players to step up and fill the void.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mohamed Bayo	Sprained ankle	Late May 2024
Abdoulaye Touré	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Reda Khadra	Shoulder injury	Early February 2026
Issa Soumaré	Knock	Doubtful
Gautier Lloris	Hamstring injury	Doubtful

With no suspensions to contend with, Le Havre can focus on adjusting their strategy to cope with the injury challenges. The potential lack of depth, particularly in the attacking third, may influence the betting markets, as Le Havre might struggle to maintain their usual offensive threat. This situation suggests that Monaco could be perceived as having an edge, especially if Le Havre’s replacements fail to match the impact of the regular starters.

Le Havre Key Players

Le Havre will be banking on the prowess of their forward line, despite the absence of their top scorer Issa Soumaré due to injury. In his stead, Godson Kyeremeh, a forward known for his agility and sharp finishing, will be expected to lead the attack. Kyeremeh’s ability to exploit spaces behind the defence could prove crucial against Monaco’s backline. In midfield, Rassoul Ndiaye is set to play a pivotal role as a dynamic playmaker, orchestrating the tempo and linking up with the forwards. His vision and ball distribution are vital for creating goal-scoring opportunities.

The defensive solidity will be anchored by Arouna Sanganté, whose physical presence and aerial ability make him a formidable barrier against Monaco’s forwards. Alongside him, Timothée Pembélé adds versatility with his capability to transition play from defence to attack, which could be a tactical advantage for Le Havre.

Expected lineup for Le Havre:

• Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi-Nzau
• Defenders: Arouna Sanganté, Timothée Pembélé, Ayumu Seko
• Midfielders: Simon Ebonog, Rassoul Ndiaye, Loïc Négo, Yanis Zouaoui, Félix Mambimbi
• Forwards: Kenny Quetant, Godson Kyeremeh

Le Havre Tactics and Formation

Le Havre Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-1-2
• Key Forward: Kenny Quetant
• Midfield Engine: Rassoul Ndiaye and Loïc Négo
• Defensive Concerns: Only one clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on midfield congestion and quick transitions.

Le Havre’s 3-4-1-2 formation aims to congest the midfield and provide flexibility in both attack and defence. The midfield quartet, led by Rassoul Ndiaye and Loïc Négo, is pivotal in controlling the game’s tempo and facilitating quick transitions. Yanis Zouaoui provides creativity as the attacking midfielder, linking up with forwards Kenny Quetant and Godson Kyeremeh.

Defensively, the back three of Arouna Sanganté, Timothée Pembélé, and Ayumu Seko face a challenge, having kept only one clean sheet in their last five matches. Lionel Mpasi-Nzau’s role as goalkeeper is crucial, particularly against Monaco’s potent attack.

Offensively, Le Havre rely on their ability to quickly transition from defence to attack, capitalising on the pace of Quetant and Kyeremeh. However, the absence of top scorer Issa Soumaré due to injury could impact their goal-scoring capabilities, requiring other players to step up in attack.

Monaco Analysis & Past Performance

Monaco’s recent form has been mixed, with their last five games yielding two wins and three losses. Most notably, they suffered a heavy 1-6 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Their Ligue 1 performance against Lorient was also disappointing, ending in a 1-3 loss at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Real Madrid	Monaco	6 – 1 (Loss)	Champions League	20 Jan 2026
Monaco	Lorient	1 – 3 (Loss)	Ligue 1	16 Jan 2026
Orléans	Monaco	1 – 3 (Win)	French Cup	10 Jan 2026
Monaco	Lyon	1 – 3 (Loss)	Ligue 1	3 Jan 2026
Auxerre	Monaco	1 – 2 (Win)	French Cup	21 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Monaco have scored eight goals and conceded fourteen in their last five matches, averaging 1.60 goals scored and 2.80 conceded per game. This poor defensive record is compounded by a lack of clean sheets, indicating a pressing need to tighten their backline.

Away from home, Monaco have shown slightly more promise, winning two out of their last five away fixtures. However, their away win ratio sits at 40%, reflecting a need for greater consistency on their travels. The attacking prowess of Ansu Fati, who has scored six goals this season, remains a key strength and Monaco’s primary offensive outlet.

Currently sitting 9th in the Ligue 1 table with 23 points, Monaco’s recent inconsistencies have hindered their climb up the standings. Despite a challenging run, they remain a mid-table side with potential to disrupt higher-ranked teams, provided they resolve their defensive issues.

• LLWLW

Monaco Suspensions & Injuries

Monaco face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Paul Pogba, out with a calf injury, and Takumi Minamino, sidelined until September 2026 with a cruciate ligament injury, will significantly impact Monaco’s midfield creativity and depth. Additionally, Christian Mawissa’s hamstring injury, keeping him out until early February 2026, further strains their defensive options. With Lukas Hrádecký also dealing with a knee injury, Monaco’s goalkeeping depth is under pressure.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Mohammed Salisu	After match penalty	1	Unknown
Mamadou Coulibaly	Red card	1	Unknown

The suspension of Mohammed Salisu, who is also injured for the season, alongside Mamadou Coulibaly’s red card suspension, limits Monaco’s defensive choices. These absences will likely force coach Sébastien Pocognoli to rely on Wout Faes and Kassoum Ouattara in defence, with Eric Dier’s experience being crucial. The tactical adjustments might include a more conservative approach to offset these defensive frailties.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Paul Pogba	Calf injury	About 1-2 weeks
Takumi Minamino	Cruciate ligament injury	Early September 2026
Christian Mawissa	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Lukas Hrádecký	Knee injury	Mid February 2026
Mohammed Salisu	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season

Given these constraints, Monaco’s betting odds may be affected, as the team’s defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited by Le Havre. The lack of key midfielders and defenders might lead Monaco to adopt a more cautious game plan, focusing on counter-attacks led by their available forwards, Mika Biereth and Folarin Balogun.

Monaco Key Players

Monaco’s attacking prowess will be spearheaded by Ansu Fati, the team’s top scorer with six goals. Fati’s agility and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. His ability to exploit defensive gaps and link up with teammates like Folarin Balogun, another forward in the expected lineup, is crucial for Monaco’s offensive game plan. Balogun’s pace and positioning complement Fati’s style, creating a dynamic attacking duo that can trouble any defence.

Aleksandr Golovin, operating from midfield, is another key player who influences the game with his creativity and vision. His role as a playmaker is vital, as he orchestrates Monaco’s attacking transitions and provides crucial assists. In defence, Eric Dier’s experience and leadership skills will be pivotal in organising the backline and maintaining a solid defensive structure.

Expected lineup for Monaco:

• Goalkeeper: Philipp Köhn
• Defence: Kassoum Ouattara, Eric Dier, Wout Faes, Caio Henrique
• Midfield: Denis Zakaria, Jordan Teze, Maghnes Akliouche, Aleksandr Golovin
• Forward: Mika Biereth, Folarin Balogun

Monaco Tactics and Formation

Monaco Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-2-2
• Key Forwards: Mika Biereth and Folarin Balogun
• Midfield Dynamics: Denis Zakaria and Jordan Teze
• Defensive Structure: Transition from a 4-4-2 to a compact 4-2-2-2
• Notable Strategy: High pressing with quick transitions.

Monaco’s 4-2-2-2 formation is designed to create numerical superiority in attacking phases while maintaining defensive solidity. The dual forward setup with Mika Biereth and Folarin Balogun offers a direct threat, supported by Aleksandr Golovin and Maghnes Akliouche in advanced midfield roles. This formation allows for fluid transitions from defence to attack, ideal for exploiting spaces in the opposition’s half.

In midfield, Denis Zakaria and Jordan Teze form a crucial pivot, responsible for breaking up opposition play and initiating Monaco’s quick transitions. Their ability to win duels and distribute the ball effectively is vital for maintaining Monaco’s tempo and pressing strategy, particularly given the absence of creative players like Paul Pogba due to injury.

Defensively, Monaco aim to be compact with Eric Dier and Wout Faes anchoring the defence. The switch from a 4-4-2 in previous games to a more dynamic 4-2-2-2 seeks to address recent defensive frailties, as seen in their heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Despite this, they have struggled with clean sheets, indicating a need for heightened defensive discipline against Le Havre.

Le Havre vs Monaco Head-to-Head Record

In their last 14 head-to-head encounters, Monaco have dominated with seven wins, while Le Havre have managed just two victories, and five matches ended in a draw. The most recent clash saw Monaco triumph 3-1 at home in August 2025 during a Ligue 1 fixture.

When Le Havre last hosted Monaco, the match ended in a 1-1 draw in April 2025. Historically, Monaco have been the stronger side in these meetings, especially in Ligue 1, where they consistently find the back of the net more often than Le Havre.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Monaco	Le Havre	3 – 1	Ligue 1	2025-08-16
Le Havre	Monaco	1 – 1	Ligue 1	2025-04-26
Monaco	Le Havre	3 – 1	Ligue 1	2024-09-22
Monaco	Le Havre	1 – 1	Ligue 1	2024-02-04
Le Havre	Monaco	0 – 0	Ligue 1	2023-11-11