Leonardo Jardim’s AS Monaco will look to ignite their Ligue 1 title challenge as they take on Olympique Marseille at the Stade Louis II on Sunday evening.

The 2016/17 champions have suffered a stuttering start to the new campaign with a win, a draw and a loss apiece so far. They started excellently with a 3-1 victory over Nantes but could only battle to a 0-0 draw with LOSC Lille before a 2-1 defeat to Bordeaux last week.
Currently five points behind leaders Paris Saint Germain, Les Monégasques are 25/1 outsiders with Paddy Power to win the league at the end of the campaign.

Only a place above them in the current table sit Marseille, who have also had an indifferent start to the campaign. Boasting an almost identical record, Rudi Garcia’s men begun in brilliant style with a 4-0 thumping of Toulouse. They were brought back down to Earth with a 3-1 loss to Nimes before a 2-2 draw with Rennes. Les Olympiens are available at 20/1 to win the league at the end of the season.

If either side are to topple Thomas Tuchel’s PSG at the end of the season, the clash this weekend could be crucial. However, the omens do not look particularly positive for the visitors. In the last ten clashes between the two sides, Marseille have only won once with a 2-1 victory back in May 2015. As a matter of fact, their last win in Monaco came as far back as 2010.

Despite that, both teams are extremely evenly match according to the bookies. Hosts Monaco are priced at 17/10 with BetVictor to claim victory, whilst Marseille can be backed at 31/10. A draw is available at 13/5.

Whilst the final result is up for debate, one aspect that has been guaranteed between the two in recent years is goals. In four out of the last five meetings between the two teams, Monaco have scored four or more goals. Jardim’s man can be backed at 20/1 with Coral to repeat that feat yet again.

For that to occur, there will have to be goalscorers on the pitch and they happen to be in abundance. Radamel Falcao is available at 9/2 with William Hill to hit the first goal. Meanwhile, last season’s golden boot runner up, Florian Thauvin, can be backed at 5/1. Ex-Monaco man Valere Germain is at 7/4 to net against his former club.

Marseille have a few defensive injury worries ahead of the match. Goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has been ruled out with a thigh problem, whilst Rolando is also restricted to the treatment table. Elsewhere, Jardim cannot call on the likes of Stevan Jovetic, Andrea Raggi, Ronael Pierre-Gabriel and Aleksandr Golovin.