Le Havre vs Monaco

In a fixture featuring contrasting fortunes at both ends of the Ligue 1 table, relegation-battling Le Havre host top-four hopefuls Monaco at Stade Océane on Saturday evening.

The hosts have endured a frustrating few weeks, slipping below the relegation line, while Monaco saw their bid for Champions League qualification falter slightly last time out.

Le Havre’s morale was shattered after a heavy 5-1 defeat at home to Rennes two weeks ago, followed by a tough trip to Paris Saint-Germain, which seemed like an insurmountable challenge. Despite the odds, Didier Digard’s side fought valiantly and were narrowly defeated 2-1 by the newly crowned champions in Paris, though it did little to improve their survival chances.

Saint-Étienne's vital three points have allowed them to close the gap to Le Havre, with the two sides now separated only by goal difference, leaving Digard’s team teetering on the edge of automatic relegation.

Despite Angers sitting just three points above them in 15th, Le Havre’s survival hopes remain precarious. A potential points deduction for ASSE due to crowd trouble last weekend could ease some pressure, but Les Ciel et Marine will be desperate to steer clear of the relegation playoff spot altogether.

However, overtaking Angers won’t be easy—Le Havre’s dismal -31 goal difference puts them at a major disadvantage, especially compared to Angers’ 12-goal advantage.

Unsurprisingly, Le Havre have the worst defensive record in Ligue 1 this season, conceding 35 goals in 2025 alone. Their struggles have been particularly glaring against top-half teams, where their form has been abysmal.

Last weekend’s loss to PSG marked their 13th defeat in 15 matches against top-half sides this season. With three of their final four fixtures coming against top-seven opponents—including Marseille and Strasbourg after this Monaco clash—their survival bid looks increasingly difficult.

History doesn’t favor Le Havre either. Since their return to Ligue 1 last season, they’ve failed to beat Monaco, managing only two draws in 2023-24 before suffering a 3-1 defeat in September.

Meanwhile, Monaco arrive with plenty to fight for, locked in a tight race with Marseille and others for a Champions League spot. They’ll be eager to capitalize on Le Havre’s struggles and secure a crucial three points.