
Monaco have made some big-name signings this summer and they'll be looking to mount a better challenge for the Ligue 1 title, starting with a home win over Le Havre.
Les Monegasques have finished inside the top three in four of the last five seasons but they've never really come close to toppling French kings PSG.
Last term they've finished a whopping 23 points behind the champions and were pipped to second place by Marseille in a disappointing domestic campaign.
But boss Adi Hutter has held on to his job, with the club backing him heavily in the transfer market this summer. Paul Pogba is the highest-profile arrival after ending his 18-month suspension for doping while Ansu Fati and keeper Lukas Hradecky have also checked in.
That should make Monaco more competitive and they shouldn't have too much trouble seeing off a Le Havre side who have finished 15th in the last two seasons after winning promotion to Ligue 1.
Only a stoppage-time Panenka penalty from Abdoulaye Toure saved them from relegation on the final day of last season so it would be a surprise if they started this campaign with a win in Monaco.
How the bookies view it: Monaco to reign
Monaco are heavy favourites with home advantage and BoyleSports price them at just 4/11 for a win. Le Havre are 15/2 outsiders and the draw pays 15/4.
Recent head to head: Quick on the draw
Monaco are unbeaten in their last four games against Le Havre but that doesn't tell the whole story as three of those games have ended in draws. Monaco have bossed the overall head to head, though, winning five of the 10 meetings and losing just once.
Players to watch: Mika's on song
Boss Hutter has revealed neither Pogba nor Fati are ready to make their debuts yet, although the former Barcelona winger is closer to full fitness. Mika Biereth netted 27 times for club and country last term and the Dane looks Monaco's best bet for a goal at evens with Unibet.
Ally Samatta could start up front for Le Havre after his arrival from Greek side PAOK. The experienced striker is 4/1 at Paddy Power for a debut goal.
Probable line-ups
Monaco's Soungoutou Magassa serves a ban held over from last season while Pogba and Fati are unlikely to feature. Le Havre are set to be without striker Elysee Logbo.
Monaco: Hradecky, Henrique, Kehrer, Salisu, Vanderson, Zakaria, Camara, Golovin, Akliouche, Embolo, Biereth.
Le Havre: Diaw, Zouaoui, Nego, Sangante, Kinkoue, Toure, Kechta, Bentoumi, Soumare, Namli, Samatta.
Anything else catch the eye?
Monaco should be too strong for Le Havre if they find form and you can boost their odds to evens by backing Hutter's side to be winning at half-time and full-time.
The home team should have most of the pressure so they look worth a punt in the corner markets too. Monaco -3 in the corner handicap pays 11/10 with Bet365 while the same firm price over 9.5 match corners at the same price.
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