Montpellier vs Monaco prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2022-10-08 11:00.
Mid-table Montpellier seek to quickly recover from a 4-2 loss at Toulouse, when crowd disorder compounded a porous defensive show, as they collapsed following an early lead for the second time in three outings. In turn, Montpellier remained stuck on 12 points – four fewer than they had after nine rounds in 2018/19, when they last finished in the top-six.
Old habits clearly die hard, as Montpellier also gave up a lead in a similarly frustrating manner during last season’s corresponding clash with Monaco. However, they pulled off a 3-2 victory on that occasion, in what was the fourth straight H2H at Stade La Mosson to see both sides score, heightening anticipation of another dramatic affair.
In contrast, Monaco have suffered no such troubles keeping a lead, consistently staying in the driving seat once ahead across what is currently a four-game winning run in Ligue 1. Sitting in the top-five, they now look to go ten away league games without defeat, which they last managed during the incredible 2016/17 campaign that saw them stroll to the title.
With morale further boosted by a 3-1 success over Trabzonspor on Thursday evening, Monaco can clearly fight on two fronts – as evidenced by a strong return from their four matches to immediately follow a continental clash during the current campaign (W3, D1). However, a lack of goals before the 40th minute across those games may hint at an initial rustiness following midweek exploits.
Players to watch: Arnaud Nordin has scored first in both of Montpellier’s last two home victories. Vying with him for the spotlight is Takumi Minamino, who netted his first Ligue 1 goal on Monaco’s last road trip, with the strike in question meaning that three of his last five goals have changed the scoreline to 2-0 for his side on the day.
Hot stat: Monaco’s only away league goals conceded (two) have arrived between the 61st-75th minute.