Second-placed Monaco will be searching for their sixth successive victory in Ligue 1 when they host struggling Valenciennes, a team that sit five points behind safety at the moment.

Not too many people expected the Principality Club to mount a serious title challenge immediately upon returning to the top flight, in spite of the heavy summer recruitment.

However, experienced coach Claudio Ranieri did brilliantly to rebuild the squad over the summer, making sure his side remain very close to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.

And while Monaco did suffer a small dip in form at the beginning of November, they have since returned to the right track.

Even with star striker Radamel Falcao missing through injury, the Principality club won last five matches without conceding a single goal in the process, and they are now looking to end the year in style.

Given that their next opponents are all over the place at the moment, it is hardly surprising home win pays just 1.30 (3/10).

The good news is that Radamel Falcao has recovered from a thigh problem, but he is unlikely to start after spending a month on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Nabil Dirar, Nacer Barazite, Borja Lopez and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco are not yet ready to return into action.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Subasic – Raggi, Carvalho, Abidal, Kurzawa – Moutinho, Obbadi, Toulalan – Rodriguez, Riviere, Martial.

Valenciennes did well to establish themselves as a mid table side in Ligue 1 over the years, but their top flight status appears to be in great danger at the moment.

Following the opening day victory over Toulouse, VAFC have largely struggled to prove their worth, winning just one of next seventeen fixtures.

As a result, Ariel Jacobs’ side currently sit five points adrift of safety and that gap could further be increased following the final round in 2013.

Oddly enough, Valenciennes have managed to score in each of their last five matches on the road, and with that in mind you should know VAFC are 2.25 (5/4) to score at Stade Louis II.

The visitors will have Maor Melikson back from suspension, but Anthony Le Tallec, Gregory Pujol, Mody Traore and Marco da Silva remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Penneteau – Nery, Angoua, Kagelmacher, Ciss – Doumbia, Enza-Yamissi – Ducourtioux, Melikson, Masuaku – Bahebeck.