Montpellier vs Lens prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-12-07 20:00.
Having alternated between losses and draws since early November, Montpellier continued the pattern with a 2-0 defeat at Monaco last weekend, following a 1-1 home draw against relegation-battling Clermont. One further week of that pattern could be problematic for Michel Der Zakarian's side, who now sit just one point clear of the Ligue 1 bottom three due to their recent poor form.
Nonetheless, another stalemate seems highly probable as the MHSC have secured four draws in seven appearances at the Stade de la Mosson this season (W1, L2), marking the joint-highest home total in Ligue 1. The suspension of key defender Kiki Kouyaté due to his red card in Monaco is likely to pose a challenge as well for Der Zakarian, given that Montpellier have failed to win any of the last three matches which he missed due to either being suspended or injured (D1, L2).
His absence will also come as an additional source of confidence for visiting Lens, who now haven't suffered defeat in their last nine Ligue 1 outings (W6, D3), capped off by a 3-2 victory against Lyon on Saturday. Coach Franck Haise stated after the match that he appreciated the reaction of his team following the 6-0 "blow" they suffered in the previous game against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League.
The Blood and Gold have firmly positioned themselves in the top half of the standings, largely due to their solid defence, which has secured six clean sheets in eight league matches – four of those coming in succession away from home. That impressive defensive record could come under pressure here considering that Lens have conceded at least once in their past seven visits to Montpellier in Ligue 1, although a balanced record across that time means this is a tough game to call (W2, D2, L3).
Players to watch: Teji Savanier will relish a return to familiar surroundings, having netted five of his last six goals on home soil, including Montpellier’s last two home goals from the penalty spot. Lens’ Elye Wahi will be looking to outshine him in this clash as all eight of his previous league goals have been scored away from home.
Hot stat: Since the beginning of last season, Montpellier have won just one of their ten Ligue 1 home games that saw them start as outsiders (W1, D4, L5).