Abline starts and Diop surprises as Monaco host Lens
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
AS Monaco welcome RC Lens to the Stade Louis-II on Friday evening with Matthis Abline handed his first start and Edan Diop named in a reshuffled line-up.
Kick-off at the Stade Louis-II is set for 20h45 on Friday as AS Monaco take on RC Lens in what promises to be a testing home fixture. Coach Filipe Luis has been forced into changes across his attacking options, with several forwards unavailable for selection.
The headline decisions see Matthis Abline earn his first start for the club, while the inclusion of Edan Diop from the off is the selection that will raise eyebrows among supporters. With the squad stretched in the final third, Luis has had to trust players who have largely come off the bench in recent weeks, giving both men a chance to make their case in front of the home crowd.