In absolutely sensational form in Ligue 1 and in the quarter finals of the Coupe de France, AS Monaco have certainly been making waves this season.

Currently sitting third in the league and having only lost once in their last 23 matches, their form has been nigh on flawless since December of last year. Having started the season inconsistently, one of the key catalysts behind their upturn in fortunes arose when coach Niko Kovac opted to switch to a 3-2-4-1 in possession.

Giving the team more defensive stability and allowing them to get the best out of their impressive forwards and attacking midfielders such as Wissam Ben Yedder, Kevin Volland, Sofiane Diop, Stevan Jovetic, Sofiane Diop and Aleksandr Golovin, it’s worked a treat.

The duo in central midfield have been nothing short of outstanding as well in this new system, as Youssouf Fofana and Aurelien Tchouameni have been formidable.

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The wingbacks have been another valuable element towards their success, with Caio Henrique and Ruben Aguilar in particular adding vital width and depth to attacks, which has stretched opposition backlines both horizontally and vertically.

Meanwhile, in terms of the defence, the likes of Guillermo Maripan, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Djibril Sidibe and Benjamin Lecomte in goal have steadily improved as the campaign’s gone on. Keeping seven clean sheets in their last eight games, they’re defending with assuredness, physicality and confidence.

Possessing plenty of depth across the pitch in the form of Eliot Matazo, Krepin Diatta, Pietro Pellegri, Chrislain Matsima, Gelson Martins and Fode Ballo-Toure, they’ve contributed impressively when given a chance.

Manager Kovac certainly deserves huge credit for instilling his philosophy so successfully and getting his players well and truly on board, with his presence integral towards their masterful campaign.

Priced at a decent 13 to win the Ligue 1 championship, they’re definitely in with a shout according to the bookies. In truth, however, finishing in the top three to earn Champions League qualification would be a sensational achievement for this young and exciting team.

Related: Benefits of Using a Betting Spreadsheet

Having beaten giants Paris Saint-Germain and unquestionably the in form team in France at present, Monaco are proving to be an irresistible force in 2021, as they’ve progressed amazingly this crusade to become unlikely title contenders.