Montpellier vs Angers SCO Prediction: Battle for Vital Points

Ligue 1 action returns as Montpellier welcomes Angers SCO to Stade de la Mosson on January 11, 2025. With teams fighting for different reasons—Montpellier fighting relegation, Angers trying to attain mid-table stability—the encounter is sure to be full of drama and high stakes.

Will Angers continue their resurgence, or can Montpellier finally break their winless streak? Share your thoughts and predictions below!

Under the experienced Jean-Louis Gasset, Montpellier continue to have a nightmare season. The latest heartbreak came in a 1-0 loss against Lyon, through an own goal by Khalil Fayad in injury time. The only moments of brilliance have been scattered, provided by the team's captain Teji Savanier, who leads with 3 goals and 1 assist; Montpellier is usually bad in the back and lacks discipline.

The stats don't favor them at home either: 1 win in their last 5 games - LLWDD. Without any clean sheets all season, the defensive frailties of the team are there to be seen. Gasset will hope for a spark from the likes of Savanier and Wahbi Khazri to reignite their campaign.

Key Stats:

* Goals Scored/Game: 0.9

* Goals Conceded/Game: 2.4

* Clean Sheets: 0

* Cards Per Game: 2.9 yellow, 4 red (season total)

* Streak: 6 games without a win

Angers come into this game full of confidence after their convincing 2-0 win over Brest, inspired by the goals from Esteban Lepaul and Ibrahima Niaune, under the leadership of Alexandre Dujeux. The outstanding midfielder, Himad Abdelli, has contributed 4 goals with 1 assist so far this season.

While their defensive discipline and clinical counters have shone, inconsistency on the road could be their undoing. But the capability of Angers to dig out results on their travels-evidenced by 3 wins in 5 away matches-make them a dangerous opponent to a struggling Montpellier.

Key Stats:

* Away Record: 3 wins in 5 games (WLWLW)

* Streak: 5/6 games under 2.5 goals

* Goals/Game: 1.1

* Conceded/Game: 1.7

* Discipline: 5/5 games under 4.5 cards

In 19 matches, Montpellier won 8, Angers won 6, and 5 ended in a draw.

Recent meetings favor Montpellier, with the latter opening the scoring in 5 of the last 6 meetings. Angers are improving, though, and may buck that trend. Key patterns from past clashes include:

*Over 4.5 cards in 6 of the last 8 matches

*Under 10.5 corners in 5 of the last 6 meetings

While Montpellier's confidence seems to be shattered, Angers come into this game with better momentum and a more stable defensive record. The inability of the hosts to keep clean sheets coupled with Angers' efficiency in tight games may tip the scales. A key battle in midfield will be between Savanier and Abdelli, with both influential to their teams' attacking rhythm.

Cards Market - Over 4.5 Cards: With both teams prone to disciplinary issues, expect a feisty affair that sees multiple cards. 

Match Result - Draw: Despite Angers’ edge in form, Montpellier’s home advantage and desperation for points may force a stalemate. Historical H2H trends favoring close contests support this outcome. 

Goals Market - Under 2.5 Goals: Both teams’ recent streaks lean toward low-scoring games (Angers 5/6, Montpellier 4/5 under 2.5 goals).