Montpellier vs Metz prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2024-02-17 14:00.
A run of six defeats in their last 12 Ligue 1 games (W1, D5) has left Montpellier fighting for their lives, beginning the weekend’s action level on points with the division’s relegation play-off spot. It comes as no surprise they’re embroiled in the battle at the bottom given that ahead of the round, they’ve spent on average the second-most time trailing in games across the division, and with only three teams leading at home for less time than them so far this season, don’t expect a flying start.
That would suggest they’ll be a slow burner here, but when they do get going, they have a knack for claiming a result against Metz. They’ve won a joint-high 24 Ligue 1 games against Metz (D17, L18), and buoyed by the chance to make that an outright high here, Montpellier seemingly have the ultimate incentive to end their eight match winless home run (D3, L5).
The only club currently in worse form are Sunday’s opponents Metz, who are looking less likely to break out of the relegation zone week-on-week given a woeful record of seven defeats in their last eight Ligue 1 outings (D1). That’s perhaps largely due to the fact after 21 games only one club have scored fewer than Les Grenats, and only three have conceded more – a dangerous combination which points towards an immediate return to Ligue 2.
All isn’t necessary lost though, as victory on Sunday would lift László Bölöni’s side above the hosts, and Metz will take hope from the fact that they’re unbeaten in five visits to the Stade de la Mosson (W3, D2), scoring at least once in the second half in the last four of those. One goal could actually be enough here to get something out of the match, as Montpellier haven’t scored more than once in their last 12 league games, while Metz have been better on their travels this season than at home (11 points vs 6).
Players to watch: Akor Adams' goals usually come in twos, with four of his five scoring appearances for Montpellier seeing him net a brace. Both of Metz full-back Matthieu Udol’s goals this season have come away from home in the second half and been scored with his head, including last time out at Marseille.
Hot stat: Only one of Montpellier’s 11 home league games this term saw more than one first-half goal – a joint-league low.