Eight-time Ligue 1 champions AS Monaco are one of only two clubs to wrestle the French top-flight title away from PSG over the past decade. And while the 2022/23 crown is probably beyond reach, Les Rouge et Blanc have a keen eye on a top three place.
The 2017 French champions have been on a charge recently, winning five in an unbeaten league run of seven games, a sequence which has taken them to within two points of third-placed Lens.
And the upturn in Monaco’s fortunes has been sparked by its prolific attack featuring Swiss striker Breel Embolo. The 25-year-old hitman has scored four goals in the last four games and he’s currently joint fourth in the race for the Ligue 1 Golden Boot with 12 goals and alongside teammate Wissam Ben Yedder and PSG star Neymar.
Since making his debut at the age of 17 in a Europa League tie for FC Basel, Embolo has racked up over 219 club appearances, scoring 65 goals, and he has also struck 13 times in 63 games for Switzerland.
And this is his best season to date, scoring his 12 goals and assisting two in his first campaign in France following his transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach. As a one goal in two games striker he’s becoming a hotter property by the week and Monaco fans hope he can keep it up throughout a four-year contract.
Embolo has been noted worldwide during his appearances for the Swiss as a powerful and technically gifted player with explosive pace, and now that he has added more clinical finishing skills he is getting closer to emulating his idol Mario Balotelli. And he can also play in a deeper role in the centre of midfield where he is a proven ball winner.
But it’s up top where the Swiss master has been at his best this season. His recent goals have showcased his all round ability as a striker. Against Clermont he found space in the penalty area to power an unstoppable downward header into the net, and in a recent 3-2 victory over Auxerre he took a headed pass in the centre of the penalty area and smashed the ball first time into the top right corner.
Embolo started on the bench when Monaco took on Ajaccio in January, but when he arrived on the hour, he still had time to bag a brace in a 7-1 rout. His first was another powerful header direct from a corner, just two minutes after he had come on. And for his second, he used quick feet to make a smart finish.
The latest Ligue 1 2023 betting odds still reckon Monaco have plenty to do to claim that coveted top three place but they have a great chance if Embolo keeps firing. And it looks like Les Rouge et Blanc have picked up a bargain for a player who is still to reach his prime.
Ben Yedder and Embolo the dynamic duo
Monaco’s great striking strength lies not just in one pair of boots as, with 12 goals and two assists, Embolo’s strike partner Wissam Ben Yedder is matching him stride for stride and both are serious contenders for the top scorer award – two goals behind Reims striker Folarin Balogun.
This partnership has provided its fair share of Ligue 1 2023 highlights this season and Ben Yedder helped himself to a hat-trick in the destruction of Ajaccio.
At 32 years of age, the France international is an experienced campaigner who oozes class. He joined Monaco from Sevilla for a cool €40-M in 2019, and since his arrival in Ligue 1, he has plundered 75 goals from 118 appearances and has become one of the most lethal strikers in the league.
At 5’7”, he has a low centre of gravity, brilliant balance, great technical footwork, and he can shoot sweetly with either foot. And now, any opposition has a second hitman to worry about as Embolo reaches new heights.
Monaco have a good chance of overhauling the surprise packages Lens, who currently sit third in the table, but Phillipe Clement’s side have a tough task next weekend.
Monaco host PSG on Saturday and are at SBOTOP odds of 2.74 to win with the visitors also odds against at 2.22. The Double Chance for Les Rouge et Blanc to extend their unbeaten league run to eight games is priced as low as 1.55.
This is a team bang in form and with the Parisiens gearing up for a huge Champions League match with FC Bayern next week, Monaco might find the timing to their advantage. And with two red-hot strikers fit and firing, they always have a chance.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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