LYON - After four league defeats on the trot, Monaco head to top-of-the-table Lyon knowing that a victory is vital to kick-start their season.
But the Monegasques have only won twice at the Stade Gerland in the past 10 years, and midfielder Camel Meriem knows that three points against the six-times defending champions is a tall order.
"They (Lyon) are the complete team," he told Monaco's official website, www.asm-fc.com.
"They rule every area of the game and can beat anyone on their day. They have a very solid defence, but they also have talented attacking players who can turn a match in an instant."
However, Meriem is not advocating negative tactics against Lyon.
He said: "They are very strong and know how to keep the ball.
"But we have to go there and play. We cant sit back and defend all match. Even if you defend well all game they could score in the 90th minute. We have a talented team, with players who know how to play the ball. Obviously, were going there to play."
That would leave space for Lyon`s attackers to exploit.
And Hatem Ben Arfa will be full of confidence after scoring on his international debut against the Faroe Islands, while Karim Benzema - who scored twice in that match - continues to go from strength to strength.
But Lyon manager Alain Perrin knows victory is by no means a foregone conclusion.
"We should be able to beat anybody at home," he said. "But it won`t be easy.
"Monaco are going through a tough period after starting the season well, but they are a team of European standards. They have players of great quality who know how to close a game down. We`re expecting a tough match."
