AS Monaco and Saint-Étienne get underway in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign when they square off at the Stade Louis II on Saturday. Having lost the last three meetings between the sides, Olivier Dall'Oglio’s men will head into the weekend looking to get one over the hosts and mark their return to the top flight on a high.

Monaco turned in a performance of the highest quality as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Spanish giants Barcelona to clinch the Joan Gamper Trophy on Monday.

This was a much-needed victory for the French side, who had failed to win five of their previous six games in pre-season, losing three and claiming two draws.

Head coach Adolf Hutter will hope the win over Barcelona can serve as a springboard for fine early-season form as they turn their attention to Ligue 1, where they will be looking to improve on last season’s second-placed finish and dethrone Paris Saint-Germain.

Saint-Étienne, on the other hand, ended their two-year absence from the French top flight as they secured a 4-3 aggregate victory over Metz in the playoff final last season.

Olivier Dall'Oglio’s men picked up 65 points from their 38 Ligue 2 matches to finish second in the table and book a place in the playoff, where they edged out Rodez and Metz to confirm their promotion.

Saint-Étienne's first Ligue 1 challenge is against a Monaco side they have failed to get the better of in their last four encounters, losing three and claiming one draw since a 1-0 victory in January 2020.

Off the back of a stunning victory over Barcelona, Monaco will begin the new Ligue 1 campaign with sky-high confidence as they look to put together an early-season form.

Given the gulf in quality and experience between the two sides, we are backing Hutter's men to come away with the desired result this weekend.

Prediction: AS Monaco 3-1 Saint-Etienne

Tip 1: Result - Monaco to win

Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals - Yes (There have been at least three goals scored in four of the last five meetings between the two teams)

Tip 3: First to score - Monaco (The hosts have opened the scoring in four of their last five matches against Saint-Étienne)

Monaco vs. Saint-Etienne: Head-to-Head

The head-to-head record between the two sides makes for grim reading for Saint-Étienne. Over the past few years, Monaco have dominated their rivals, picking up four wins and a draw in their last five encounters. The last time the two sides met was in April 2023, when Monaco ran out 3-0 winners at the Stade Louis II. In fact, in their last four encounters, Monaco have scored three or more goals against Saint-Etienne, making the visitors' task even harder on Saturday night.

Monaco vs. Saint-Étienne: Form Guide

Monaco head into the Ligue 1 season on the back of a morale-boosting win over Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy, despite a mixed pre-season record. They are aiming to build on last season's impressive second-place finish and dethrone PSG. In contrast, Saint-Étienne are looking to make an immediate impact on their return to the top flight, after a successful playoff run. They have endured a mixed pre-season, but will be looking to cause an upset at the Stade Louis II.

Monaco vs. Saint-Étienne: Team News

Monaco will be without the services of the suspended Mohamed Camara, who is currently playing for Al-Sadd. However, they have a number of new signings at their disposal, including Lamine Camara, who could make his debut for the club on Saturday. The hosts will also be looking to the likes of Breel Embolo, Folarin Balogun, and Takumi Minamino to provide the goals. Meanwhile, Saint-Étienne will be without the services of Yvann Macon, who picked up a red card in the playoff final. However, they do have a number of attacking options in their squad, including Ibrahima Wadji, who scored the decisive goal in the playoff final.

Monaco vs. Saint-Étienne: Key Players

Monaco

• Breel Embolo: Monaco’s forward is a constant threat in the attacking third, known for his powerful runs and ability to finish chances. He will be looking to make a statement in the new season.
• Folarin Balogun: After a successful loan spell at Reims, the young striker will be looking to make his mark for Monaco. His goal-scoring prowess will be crucial for their success this season.
• Takumi Minamino: The Japanese attacking midfielder is a versatile player with a knack for creating scoring opportunities. He will be vital in Monaco’s build-up play, and could provide a spark in the final third.

Saint-Étienne

• Ibrahima Wadji: The striker played a pivotal role in securing Saint-Étienne's promotion, scoring the decisive goal in the playoff final. He will be looking to continue his scoring form in Ligue 1.
• Mahdi Camara: The experienced midfielder is a key player for Saint-Étienne. His defensive solidity and ability to control the tempo of the game will be crucial in their efforts to avoid an immediate relegation battle.
• Anthony Briancon: The centre-back is a steady presence at the heart of Saint-Étienne's defence. He will be tasked with containing Monaco’s talented attackers and keeping his side organized.

Monaco vs. Saint-Étienne: Prediction

Monaco's recent win over Barcelona suggests that they are hitting their stride at the right time. Hutter’s side has plenty of firepower in attack, with Embolo, Balogun, and Minamino all capable of causing havoc in the final third. Saint-Étienne, meanwhile, are looking to make a quick impact on their return to Ligue 1, but they will find it tough to match Monaco’s quality and experience. A 3-1 win for the hosts seems like a fair result, although the visitors are capable of causing an upset.

Monaco vs. Saint-Étienne: Where to Watch

The game will be available on FuboTV, as well as a variety of other streaming services. For more information on how to watch the game in your country, please refer to the table below.

Monaco vs. Saint-Étienne: Match Time

• Kick-off: Saturday, August 17, 2024, 3:00 PM ET

Monaco vs. Saint-Étienne: Match Location

• Stade Louis II, Monaco

Monaco vs. Saint-Étienne: Live Stream and TV Channels

• Argentina: TV5MONDE Latin America
• Bangladesh: TV5MONDE Asia
• Canada: fuboTV Canada, beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada, Fanatiz Canada, beIN SPORTS in Spanish, beIN Sports Canada, TV5
• France: DAZN France, DAZN1 France
• Germany: DAZN Deutschland, TV5Monde Europe
• India: TV5MONDE Asia
• Indonesia: TV5MONDE Asia
• International: Onefootball, Bet365
• Ireland: TV5Monde Europe
• Italy: TV5Monde Europe
• Malaysia: TV5MONDE Asia
• Mexico: Hot TV, TV5MONDE Amérique Latin
• Netherlands: TV5Monde Europe
• Nigeria: StarTimes App, TV5Monde Afrique
• Portugal: Sport TV Multiscreen, Sport TV5, TV5Monde Europe
• South Africa: StarTimes App, TV5Monde Afrique
• Spain: TV5Monde Europe
• United Arab Emirates: beIN SPORTS CONNECT ALL, beIN Sports HD 4
• UK: TV5Monde Europe
• USA: Fubo (free trial), Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS

Monaco vs. Saint-Étienne: Conclusion

Monaco will be looking to make a statement in the new season, while Saint-Étienne will be hoping to cause an upset on their return to Ligue 1. It should be an exciting encounter between two teams with contrasting ambitions. A victory for the hosts seems like the most likely outcome, however, the visitors have the potential to spring a surprise.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.