Montpellier vs Strasbourg: The most entertaining match of the round

Another French Ligue 1 game day kicks off with a match between Montpellier and Strasbourg. In the last four years, the current hosts have lost only once, and that was away. Can Strasbourg break the streak?

The restructuring, started by the Montpellier management in the off-season, is not good for the club so far. In their last five games, the Paladins have won just once. They dropped to 14th place in the table. Nevertheless, even despite the change of coach and the departure of two key players (Delort and Laborde), the team could well claim a place away from the relegation zone. Stephy Mavididi proved himself well last season, scoring nine goals in Ligue 1, Téji Savanier is still useful, and Valère Germain is gradually getting used to Montpellier. Mamadou Sakho is finally back in action after injury, but Thibault Tamas, Ambroise Oyongo and Thuler remain out.

Last week, Olivier Dall’Oglio’s men failed to put anything past PSG away, 0-2. The Paladins failed to create a single chance, with only 2 and 10 attempts on goal from outside the penalty area. The Paladins were not able to contain the onslaught, and Montpellier were lucky not to be defeated.

Strasbourg are ready to take the place of Montpellier in the French football hierarchy. The club has strengthened the squad with interesting players and is prepared to fight for a place in the top half of the table. However, they are still only in 12th place, with three wins in eight rounds. Defensive errors are Strasbourg’s main shortcoming. According to the advanced statistics of expected conceded goals, they are in 17th place. As for the squad, Lebo Mothiba and Sahi Dion remain injured, while Adrienne Thomasson remains out due to suspension.

Strasbourg lost 1-2 at home to Lille in the last Ligue 1 round. Julien Stéphan’s side created just one more or less dangerous moment, while their opponents could score 3-4 goals. There was probably a chance to level the score, but Thomasson’s penalty in the 79th minute spoiled everything. Kevin Gameiro and Habib Diallo were invisible in the attack, and the introduction of Ludovic Ajorque at least brought Strasbourg to life. Perhaps the coach will once again make adjustments to the starting line-up and, this time will release Ajorque from the starting line-up.

Both teams have been unstable of late. Yes, Montpellier met away with PSG, but the Paladins looked too helpless. Compared to the last encounter, Strasbourg have changed a lot and strengthened their attacking line. The coach is trying to establish the game in defence and is testing a scheme with five defenders, and this time it may bear fruit. The attacking trio of Ajorque -Gameiro-Diallo looks formidable, but Mavidi with Germain and Savanier can score at least one goal. I suggest betting on the following outcomes:

• Handicap 2 (0) for 2.11;
• Both teams to score + Total Over 2.5 goals for 1.60;
• X2 + Total Over 1.5 goals for 1.90.