Lyon vs Montpellier prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-08-18 15:00.
Following a dreadful pre-season with four consecutive friendly losses âto-nilâ, Lyon suffered a 2-1 defeat to Strasbourg in the opening round of the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season. The scoreline doesnât tell the full story though, as Laurent Blancâs men rattled in 23 shots in that loss, leaving the Frenchman confident enough to state that "if we play like that, we will win matches," while also lamenting a "lack of efficiency."
A return to the Groupama Stadium will be most welcome for Les Gones who have only lost once in their previous nine matches here in the league (W5, D3), while winning the previous three. History is also on their side, as Lyon have not started a Ligue 1 season with two consecutive defeats since 1966/67, a season in which they began with two road trips!
Visiting Montpellier were left frustrated in their season opener as newly-promoted Le Havre netted a 90th minute equaliser to ensure honours were even. Coach Michel Der Zakarian was left annoyed at the âlack of defensive commitmentâ from his team after the game, but he will have been pleased that new attacker Akor Adams netted a brace, especially as Elye Wahi edges nearer the exit door.
After describing the Stade de la Mosson as a "potato field " on Sunday, Der Zakarian must be delighted with this away match, especially considering that his men have won three of their last four away league matches (L1). However, that sole defeat brings back painful memories for the MSHC, as they suffered a 5-4 loss here after leading 4-1 just as recently as May!
Key battle: Despite suffering from fatigue-related cramps last weekend, Alexandre Lacazette will be in the spotlight having scored in Lyonâs previous six home matches in the league. He will need to get past goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte, who has kept clean sheets in half of the ten Ligue 1 away matches he played since returning to Montpellier last winter.
Hot streak: None of the previous eight H2Hs have witnessed a goalless first half.