Wednesday, January 24, 2007

MONACO - RENNES


Laurent Banide has revitalised Monaco, since taking charge of the Red and White.


After looking set for a season of struggle, they have gone on a run of just one loss in 9 starts and that has improved their prospects so much, that a win tonight, could even ignite European ambitions.


Banide has noticed that the squad have blossomed since his arrival and look a far more relaxed group of players now. This is the first of 4 matches in 10 days and he has impressed upon his team, how vital a win is tonight.


They should be boosted by the return of Koller, Cufre, Toure and Givet , have not conceded in 3 starts and will be encouraged by their record in this fixture, where they have won 8 of the last 11.


Rennes are without Marveaux and Edman and will be forced into reorganising the defence, looking especially weak on the left side. They are 1-3-5 away from home, scoring just 3 times, they look very lightweight up front and in all games, only Nice have scored fewer.


The hosts look to hold all the cards and a home win looks likely.


Squads ......

MONACO Ruffier, Roma - Modesto, Cufré, Bolivar, Monsoreau, Givet, Dos Santos - Mongongu, Plasil, Touré, Gerard, Leko, Meriem - Menez, Vargas, Koller, Gakpé


RENNES Pouplin, Revault - Bourillon, Mensah, Coulibaly, Faty, Melchiot, Borne - Didot, Cheyrou, Sorlin, Bru, Danze, Monterrubio - Sow, Utaka, Moreira, Briand


4 points Monaco -1/2 ball 1.77 Betfair.


Good Luck.

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