Nantes vs Montpellier prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-10-21 13:00.
The international break certainly came at the wrong time for Nantes, who had overcome a poor start to the season to climb into the top-half thanks to a run of just one defeat from six matches (W3, D2). Pierre Aristouy’s men impressed in their 2-1 win at Strasbourg before the pause, but taking that form onto home soil is his next challenge, as the Canaries have emerged victorious in just four of the 16 league matches they’ve hosted in 2023 (D6, L6), including just once this season.
The Stade de la Beaujoire has at least proved an entertaining venue in Ligue 1 thus far, with Nantes only outscored by one side at home (Rennes), although only one team has conceded more (Lyon) ahead of this round. They’ll hope it keeps raining goals as Montpellier come to town given the Canaries’ strong H2H record on home soil in the league (W15, D7, L5), but a result either way certainly looks likely given that there’s not been a draw between the sides at Nantes in the top-flight since November 1998!
Montpellier make the long journey north under somewhat of a cloud, with a points deduction seemingly looming for La Paillade. Their match against Clermont before the break was abandoned in second-half stoppage time with Michel der Zakarian’s men 4-2 up, as Clermont goalkeeper Mory Diaw was struck with a firecracker from the home crowd.
If not for the lunacy of their own supporters, Montpellier would’ve spent the break inside the top-six after going unbeaten in their three outings prior to the Clermont clash (W1, D2). Strong away form can certainly be attributed to their positive standing, as only three sides had won more points on the road ahead of this round, while Der Zakarian’s side have won five of their last eight league matches overall on hostile turf (D1, L2), scoring a whopping 23 goals in that run.
Players to watch: Nantes midfielder Florent Mollet spent four years at Montpellier and could be set to haunt his former employers here, after directly contributing to three goals in his last four Ligue 1 appearances (G1, A2). He shared midfield duties with TĂ©ji Savanier 76 times at Montpellier, and his old partner in crime has certainly stepped up to the plate this term, scoring three times in his last two matches, each time from the penalty spot.
Hot stat: Nantes are one of just three Ligue 1 sides yet to trail at half-time ahead of this round.