Olympique Lyon vs Montpellier Prediction: Can Lyon's momentum overpower Montpellier's struggles?

Happy New Year to all football lovers! The year 2025 has just begun, and French Ligue 1 is not disappointing anyone with its mouth-watering clashes. Olympique Lyon welcomes Montpellier in Round 16-a match that will bring together form, tactics, and history. The confidence of Lyon is high as they seek consolidation in the top five, while Montpellier fights at the bottom of the table for survival. Let's dive deep into the build-up to this intriguing clash.

What’s your prediction for this exciting matchup? Can Montpellier turn things around, or will Lyon continue their march up the table? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Olympique Lyon have found their form again under Pierre Sage. Currently, the team stands in 5th place with a decent record of 4 wins in their last 5 games - WWWLW. The depth and adaptability were seen in their 2-1 win over Feignies-Aulnoye in the Coupe de France.

With attacking stars like Alexandre Lacazette leading the line in a preferred 4-3-3, Lyon's offensive fluidity has been key. The defense, which boasts 5 clean sheets this season, is competent but not impenetrable.

Lyon will be looking to capitalise on Montpellier's fragile away form and the gaps in their defence. Can their home fortress hold solid once again?

• Goals Scored: 27 (1.8 goals/game)
• Goals Conceded: 20 (1.3 goals conceded/game)
• Home Form: 3W 1D 1L (LDWWW)
• Set-Piece Strength: Averaging 5.9 corners/game
• Discipline: 1.8 yellow cards/game

The form has been poor for Jean-Louis Gasset's Montpellier all season as they sit precariously in 18th place, having collected just 2 wins all season. A 4-0 thrashing by Le Puy Foot 43 in the Coupe de France has only deepened the gloom.

In their 4-2-3-1, Montpellier is not solid at the back, and there is a lack of spark in attack. Much of the pressure falls on key man Téji Savanier to create something. Without a clean sheet so far this season, it's unlikely they'll keep out Lyon either. Could Montpellier spring a surprise?

• Goals Scored: 15 (1.0 goals/game)
• Goals Conceded: 38 (2.5 goals conceded/game)
• Away Form: 5 consecutive losses (LLLLL)
• Discipline Issues: 3.0 yellow cards/game, 0 clean sheets

• Wins: Lyon 11, Montpellier 6, Draws 3
• Recent Goal Fest: Over 2.5 goals in 5/5 meetings
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): 5/5
• Corner Battles: Under 10.5 corners in 4 of the last 5 games

The game is tilted hugely in Lyon's favor for this one. Consistent attacking and others' defensive woes in Montpellier make for a lopsided affair. Recent results and away performances from Montpellier offer little hope for an upset.

• Lyon to Win and Over 2.5 Goals: Lyon’s strong home form and Montpellier’s away struggles make this highly likely. (1xbet: 1.69 Odds)
• Over 2.5 Goals: Both teams have a history of high-scoring encounters, and Lyon’s attack should flourish. (Bet365: 1.40 Odds)
• Both Teams to Score: Despite their form, Montpellier often manages to find the net against Lyon. (Betway: 1.63 Odds)