AS Monaco can close the gap to Ligue 1's top three if they overcome in-form Bastia in Friday night's match at the Stade Louis II.
Leonardo Jardim's side have played a game fewer than those above them and victory in two days' time will move them to within three points of third-placed Marseille.
They are unbeaten in their last three league games, but there is a danger that they might have one eye on Tuesday's visit of Arsenal in the Champions League.
Lacina Traore, Ricardo Carvalho, Andrea Raggi and Tiemoue Bakayoko are out injured, while Wallace is suspended.
Monaco have been the standout away side this season with four more points than anyone else on the road, but at home they have lost more games than they have won.
That will give Bastia plenty of encouragement as they chase their sixth win in seven matches.
Ghislain Printant's side have only lost one of their last 11 games in the league to move themselves into the top half and seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Printant won't be able to select the injured trio of Jean-Louis Leca, Brandao and El-Hadji Ba.
These two sides have already met twice this season, with Monaco winning the reverse league fixture before Bastia claimed a penalty-shootout win in the Coupe de la Ligue last month.
Monaco:
Form in Ligue 1: WDLWDW
Form in all competitions: WWWDLW
Possible starting lineup: Subasic, Fabinho, Kurzawa, Abdennour, Toure, Moutinho, Silva, Ferreira Carrasco, Kongdogbia, Toulalan, Martial
Bastia:
Form in Ligue 1: DWWWLW
Form in all competitions: WWWWLW
Possible starting lineup: Areola, Squillaci, Modesto, Diakite, Romaric, Boudebouz, Palmieri, Gillet, Ayite, Sio, Danic
Sports Mole says: 1-1
Pascal Lemesre
