Montpellier vs AC Ajaccio prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2022-08-30 17:00.
Montpellier stole the headlines on Sunday afternoon, scoring three times in the opening 11 minutes for the first time in their top-flight history, en-route to a club-record 7-0 demolition of Brest. With no less than five different goalscorers, and all but one of the goals seeing a named provider, Montpellier seem to have finally found their chemistry after a tough start (W2, L2).
Le MHSC should avoid complacency, however, with a 2-1 loss to Auxerre last time here putting them at risk of losing multiple Ligue 1 home games to newcomers in a single season. Montpellier last suffered that indignity back in 2015/16, but a strong home league record (W6, D4, L3) as pre-match favourites since the start of 2021/22 is encouraging.
Ajaccio have found life back in the top-flight a difficult proposition so far (D1, L3), with a 3-1 Friday loss to Lille putting them inside what is a four-team relegation zone this term. Despite this, coach Olivier Pantaloni remained optimistic following the latest setback, claiming he always knew August would be a “difficult month”.
Given the extra relegation berth, there is certainly concern when considering that the Bears are currently two points off the pace they set in their opening four games of 2013/14, when they ended up relegated in last place. That fear is only exacerbated by a run of six straight Ligue 1 away losses, though they failed to score in just one of those.
Players to watch: After assisting the opener at Brest, Montpellier’s teenage sensation Elye Wahi netted his very first club-level brace in the last round. Meanwhile, Ajaccio forward Cyrille Bayala – who netted against Lille on Friday – will hope that any strike of his will be more than a consolation this time. All of his last six goals have arrived after half-time.
Hot stat: Five of the last seven H2Hs at Montpellier have seen one goalless half.