Stadium: Stade de la Mosson (Montpellier)
Bordeaux have been unable to beat Montpellier in Ligue 1 for more than three years, and ahead of their encounter, the bookmakers do not believe in the success of the Girondins. Will the visitors be able to score?
Montpellier
Despite the departure of two key attacking players at once, Andy Delort and Gaetan Laborde, Montpellier remain in their usual position after six rounds. The Paladins have won 2 games and picked up a total of 8 points, placing them in 8th place in the table. Stephy Mavididi and Téji Savanier play a vital role in the attack, and together, they have had seven goals+passes. Valère Germain has already scored his 1st goal for Montpellier. Nicholas Gioacchini has also scored a point in one of their two recent encounters, so the club is well placed to remain a solid mid-table side in Ligue 1. However, problems with the squad could affect their defensive play, with Thibault Tamas, Ambroise Oyongo, and Mamadou Sakho all out injured and Thuler out due to suspension.
Olivier Dall'Oglio's side drew 1-1 away to Troyes in the last Ligue 1 round. The encounter was not rich in chances, and Montpellier did not have much going for them up front. The Paladins were the first to concede, and it was all set to go down, but they showed character and pulled back into the game on ten men. Savanier converted Montpellier's only attacking chance, and on the other hand, substitute Gioacchini converted a brace.
Bordeaux
The Girondins have won 1 of their six league games, and they are now 17th in the table with 5 points. The team made no big transfers, and there was no full pre-season with a new coach. Problems in the attack of the club traced a long time, but here is especially alarming is the fact that in defense the Girondins are right now the worst in the league, and 13 conceded goals are not the worst of the possible scenario. The personnel situation is not encouraging either, with Josh Maja, Albert Ellis, Laurent Koscielny, Paul Besse, and Issouf Sissokho all out.
Nevertheless, Vladimir Petkovic's men beat Saint-Etienne 2-1 away last weekend. Bordeaux made the most of their chances, with Hwang Ui-jo becoming the main hero of the match, scoring two goals. The Girondins' defensive performance was far from ideal, and they had a few bad moments. The encounter took place in terrible weather conditions, and in one episode, the ball was slowed down by a puddle in front of the goal. The Bordeaux fans can't be too complacent just yet.
Expert Betting Tips
Bordeaux are still vulnerable on both halves of the pitch, but Montpellier also struggled to pick up points in the last round. The Paladins have squeezed the maximum out of their scoring chances so far. It will not be possible to maintain this kind of realization all the time. In addition, the hosts were without their key attacking players three weeks ago. This was one of the reasons for the lackluster play against Troyes. Yes, the last encounter between the teams was very entertaining, but both teams have changed coaches, and we should not forget about the changes in the squad. I suggest to wager on the following outcomes:
- Total Under 2.5 goals for 2.13;
- Bordeaux to win or draw for 1.62;
- Total Under 0.5 goals for 11.00.