Metz vs Montpellier prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-12-16 14:00.
After a promising four-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1 (W2, D2), Metz appear to be losing momentum after suffering consecutive losses, with their lead over the bottom three teams reduced to just four points ahead of this round. The recent 1-0 home defeat to Brest last weekend was attributed by coach Laszlo Bölöni to what he referred to as a "lack of experience" from his players, who mostly formed part of the squad that gained promotion last season.
The Maroons have another chance to make amends in front of their fans for the second week in a row, but their return to Stade Saint-Symphorien doesn't provide much cause for optimism (W1, D3, L3) as they have one of the worst home records in the division. A lack of quality in the final third has been a huge factor behind that, with the hosts failing to score in four of their previous five home outings.
Having alternated between losses and draws since early November, visiting Montpellier continued the pattern with a goalless draw against Lens last weekend, following a 2-0 loss away to Monaco. This consistency in mediocrity is far from satisfying for head coach Michel Der Zakarian, who lamented his player's âlack of efficiencyâ after the Lensâ game, despite a total of 18 shots and a tally of 1.29 expected goals (XG).
One further week of that pattern would be problematic for Der Zakarian's men, who started the round 14th in the Ligue 1 standings and just two points clear of the relegation playoff spot. The MHSC will now aim to stop their current run of three consecutive away defeats âto nilâ, but their upcoming trip to Metz, where they have secured points in their last four visits (W2, D2), could be considered a promising opportunity. They will, however, have to address the absence of TĂ©ji Savanier due to suspension.
Players to watch: Ablie Jallow would appear the most likely candidate to get Metz off to a good start, given that he has opened the scoring in 12 of his last 20 goalscoring appearances. Aiming to eclipse him, Montpellierâs Akor Adams has been the gameâs last scorer in the previous three matches in which he scored.
Hot stat: Montpellier are the only Ligue 1 side yet to register a half-time draw in away matches (HT: W3, L4).