Preview: Monaco vs. Bordeaux

Monaco will be hoping to extend their recent record to seven wins from eight matches when they host Bordeaux on Sunday evening.

Leonardo Jardim's side endured a slow start to the campaign but an improved run of form has seen last season's runners-up move up to fifth position in the Ligue 1 standings.

However, they still remain at least a win away from fourth-placed Saint-Etienne and their squad is weakened by the absence of Dimitar Berbatov and Elderson Echiejile through injury.

Bordeaux have spent much of the season in the top four of the table but back-to-back league defeats have resulted in Les Girondins losing ground on the leaders.

Willy Sagnol's team suffered a demoralising 5-0 loss at home to Lyon before Christmas but they responded with a narrow triumph over Toulouse in the Coupe de France last weekend.

Nicolas Pallois is suspended for the trip to the Stade Louis II, while Maxime Poundje, Younes Kaabouni and Cheick Diabate are unlikely to be fit.

Monaco:

Form in Ligue 1: DLWWWW Form in all competitions: WWWDWW

Possible starting lineup: Subasic, Ricardo Carvalho, Raggi, Kurzawa, Fabinho, Toulalan, Joao Moutinho, Bakayoko, Ocampos, Bernardo Silva, Martial

Bordeaux:

Form in Ligue 1: LWDWLL Form in all competitions: DWLDLW

Possible starting lineup: Carrasso, Planus, Mariano, Contento, Tiago Ilori, Plasil, Traore, Khazri, Biyogho Poko, Rolan, Toure

Sports Mole says: 2-1