Lens vs Montpellier prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2022-10-14 19:00.
Lens have enjoyed an excellent start to the new Ligue 1 campaign, suffering just one defeat all season (W6, D3, L1), form that has propelled them into fourth place as they chase European qualification after missing out by only a few points last season. However their one setback did come last week away to Lille (1-0) in the âDerby du Nordâ, therefore pressure will be on here to immediately bounce back and avoid successive league defeats for the first time since February.
A solid defence has been a key staple of Lensâ success so far, and that goal away to Lille was the only one theyâd conceded in four league matches. Returning to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis will likely be of comfort too, especially as the hosts come into this round having picked up more Ligue 1 home points than any other side (15 – W5).
Montpellier travel in contrasting form to Lens after losing four of their last five league outings (W1). Their plight on the field wonât have been helped by antics off of it either, as ten supporters were handed stadium bans this past week following disorder in their recent 4-2 loss against Toulouse. The visitors will hope to get back in the headlines for the right reasons with a win here, but must tighten up their backline to do so.
Although sitting in tenth place theyâve already let in 21 goals this season – only two Ligue 1 sides had conceded more coming into the round – and have also lost their last two league matches by a two-goal margin. However, wins in three of their previous five league visits to Lens (L2) does offer hope that Montpellier can turn things around.
Players to watch: Lens midfielder Salis Abdul Samed can often be guilty of being overzealous, highlighted by the fact heâd committed more fouls (27) than any other player at the end of the last round. Meanwhile, Stephy Alvaro Mavididi recently returned from injury and will be looking to get on the scoresheet. He scored eight Ligue 1 goals last season, including a winner against Lens.
Hot stat: Montpellier have scored a league-high seven Ligue 1 goals in the opening 15 minutes.