Lens vs Montpellier prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2024-05-18 19:00.
[p]While they may not be able to replicate last season’s second place finish, Lens are impressively on course to end a fourth successive top-flight campaign in the top-seven since promotion to Ligue 1. However, to absolutely ensure that they are competing in Europe next term, the Blood and Gold need to maintain their place in the top-six over Lyon, who they comfortably lead on goal difference ahead of the final day.[/p]
[p]A home outing against bottom-half opposition is just what the doctor ordered then, with Lens earning clean sheet victories in their last two matches at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Franck Haise’s men could secure three such victories in succession for the first time since October 2022 here, and should certainly be confident as they’re unbeaten in four H2H meetings with Montpellier (W2, D2).[/p]
[p]Montpellier head into the final round with the pressure off having already staved off relegation, while a top-half finish is also beyond their reach. La Paillade look set to finish either 12th or 13th for the third successive season as they aim to end a two-match losing streak on Lens’ soil, having won four of their five away H2Hs prior![/p]
[p]The last of those wins was during manager Michel Der Zakarian’s first spell in charge of the club – one of seven the Armenian has managed against Lens down the years (D4, L6). Adding to that would extend Montpellier’s unbeaten run on the road in Ligue 1 to six matches (W4, D1), something they’ve not managed since April 2021. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Angelo Fulgini’s opener at Rennes on Sunday (D 1-1) was his first domestic goal in 2023/24, and means he still hasn’t lost when finding the net for Lens (W2, D3). Téji Savanier is set to face him, as the Montpellier captain looks set to return from suspension having either scored, assisted or been carded in seven of his last nine matches. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Only Clermont and Reims have picked up fewer Ligue 1 points from losing positions than Montpellier’s four this season. [/p]