Balogun handed first league start as Monaco host Nordsjaelland
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
AS Monaco can move closer to the Conference League knockout stage this Thursday at the Stade Louis-II, with Folarin Balogun making his first start of the season.
AS Monaco face Nordsjaelland at the Stade Louis-II this evening, kick-off 9pm, with a win capable of putting the club in a strong position for the Conference League's knockout phase. Folarin Balogun, only recently added to the squad's UEFA list, starts for the first time this season after largely being used from the bench in Ligue 1 fixtures.
The team sheet also brings a notable first for the club's academy. Ilane Touré, promoted to the first team this season, makes his senior debut and will play at right back rather than his more familiar position further forward. For supporters who follow the club's youth pathway through La Turbie, it is the kind of selection that confirms the squad depth Adi Hutter has been building.
A positive result against the Danish side would represent real progress in a competition Monaco have targeted seriously this campaign. With the Stade Louis-II expected to be well attended on a Thursday night, the match offers both a tactical test and a chance for fringe players to stake a claim ahead of the busy December schedule.