Monaco host Nantes in Ligue 1 Matchday 22 with 3:05 p.m. ET kickoff at Stade Louis-II
AS Monaco return to Ligue 1 action against FC Nantes this afternoon, with kickoff set for 3: 05 p. m. ET at Stade Louis-II. The hosts have named a 21-man group as they look to seize momentum on home soil in Matchday 22.
Kickoff and setting
The fixture at Stade Louis-II gets underway at 3: 05 p. m. ET, marking a key point in the winter run of the Ligue 1 calendar. Early images from the stadium in the build-up showed preparations in place with both teams due to complete final warm-ups shortly before the whistle.
Monaco’s 21-man group
Monaco have confirmed a 21-player list for the match. Among the defenders named are C. Henrique, Diatta, Faes, Nibombe, Teze, Vanderson and Kherer. The midfield unit features Bamba, Golovin, Akliouche, Zakaria, Camara and Coulibaly. In attack, the options include Balogun, Biereth, Brunner, Adingra and Fati.
The headline notes are the inclusion of Fati and Faes in the traveling party to the Louis-II dressing room. The defensive and attacking depth on the bench could prove decisive in the closing stages should the contest tighten late on.
Selection talking points
Fati’s presence offers a different profile in the forward line, adding a direct edge between the lines and in one-on-one situations. Faes strengthens the defensive mix, giving Monaco another aerial and organizational option at the back. With a full complement of wide and central defenders, Monaco’s staff can toggle between a back three and a back four if in-game scenarios demand a structural shift.
In midfield, the blend of ball winners and creators sets up multiple pathways: Zakaria and Camara provide screen and recovery, while Golovin and Akliouche supply progression and final-third invention. Up front, Balogun’s penalty-box movement contrasts with the physical target profiles available, offering a variety of looks against a Nantes side that typically values compactness without the ball.
What to watch in the matchup
- Set-piece duels: With Faes available and the likes of Teze and Vanderson around him, Monaco should carry a tangible threat from dead balls. Nantes will need to be precise with marking assignments to blunt near-post runs and second-phase shots.
- Midfield control: The contest could turn on how effectively Monaco’s double pivot protects transitions while feeding Golovin and Akliouche into pockets. If the hosts can dictate tempo and compress the pitch, the attacking unit may find sustained pressure zones around the visitors’ box.
- Wide channels: Fullbacks Vanderson and C. Henrique, listed among the defenders, are key swing pieces. Overlaps and underlaps could stretch Nantes horizontally, especially if Monaco’s wingers tuck inside to open half-spaces.
Early build-up and atmosphere
Two hours before the start, the scene at Louis-II reflected a standard late-winter Ligue 1 evening, with staff finalizing match operations and the surface set for a quick passing game. Both squads are expected to take the field for their first warm-up routines roughly 45–60 minutes before kickoff, at which point final hints on shapes and personnel will emerge.
Match context
With the season turning toward its decisive stretch, points take on added weight for both sides. The hosts will lean on depth and familiarity with the surface to press the initiative. For the visitors, resilience and clarity in transitions will be central themes, particularly in the opening 20 minutes when home teams often surge.
Team sheets are anticipated shortly before the match begins. With the group named and the stage set at Stade Louis-II, all eyes turn to how Monaco blend their midfield craft with forward precision in this Ligue 1 meeting with Nantes.
