Monaco coach Guy Lacombe has compared the challenge of taking on Boulogne with the danger of a French cup clash.

Lacombe knows the Ligue 1 newcomers are looking to invest everything into each match and expects a fiery battle tomorrow when the teams meet at the tiny Stade de la Liberation.

"There is a remarkable mindset in this Boulogne team, they are on the up and have a dangerous formation," Lacombe said.

"I also know the coach, Laurent Guyot, who was one of my players at Toulouse."

Boulogne climbed into the top flight thanks to finishing third in Ligue 2 last season and began this campaign well, but their form has already tailed off and they appear to be sliding towards the relegation zone.

Nevertheless, Lacombe will take the northern side seriously and knows he must do so if Monaco are to return from their long trip with any reward.

He explained: "I fear this enthusiasm, this appetite, the fans, the rural aspect of the stadium.

"But I particularly fear the quality of the players because they are not in Ligue 1 by fluke.

"It's like the Coupe de France, dangerous because anything can happen in a one-off match.

"And I know their coach will insist on that point. We have to show a lot of application, desire and determination."

Two impressive wins have lifted Monaco to fourth place after nine games, surpassing Lacombe's expectations, although he is not getting carried away.

"The position doesn't matter to me much at the moment," said Lacombe.

"It's obvious that we are happy to have 18 points, the whole club is pleased with this situation because you have to be honest, we didn't imagine it at the start of the season. But we have to keep going and not rely on it."

Boulogne coach Guyot offered an interesting take on Monaco's threat.

He said: "Monaco are a 'hedgehog' team who become dangerous when they leave their spikes. They have many effective players and are collectively very strong, and very good at winning back the ball."

Monaco will again be looking for inspiration from Brazilian midfielder Nene, who has scored seven goals in nine matches this season.