The Matchday 20 clash in Ligue 1 between Montpellier and Lens will take place on January 31 at the Stade de la Mosson. Montpellier vs. Lens: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Montpellier
In the last round, Jean-Louis Gasset's side defeated Toulouse (2-1). The club has won only twice in their previous 8 Ligue 1 matches (2 draws, 4 losses). After Matchday 19, the team climbed to 17th place in the standings, and their gap to the nearest rival, Rennes, is now just 2 points. Notably, Montpellier has conceded 23 goals in home matches this season, the worst record among all tournament participants.
Key midfielder Jordan Ferri will miss the game due to suspension. Additionally, one of the club's notable players, striker Andy Delort, has returned to the team.
- The opponents have scored at least three times in 9 of the club's previous home matches in Ligue 1.
- Montpellier has conceded at least two goals in 7 of their last 9 home league matches.
- The team has not lost in 4 of their last 5 home matches in this tournament (2 wins, 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Montpellier (3-4-1-2)
Benjamin Lecomte – Modibo Sagnan, Bechir Omeragic, Kiki Kouyate – Issiaga Sylla, Joris Chotard, Rabi N'Jingula, Enzo Chato Mbiyai – Téji Savanier – Wahbi Khazri, Mousa Al-Tamari.
Lens
In the last round, William Still's side defeated Angers (1-0). The team has not lost in 5 of their previous 7 league matches (4 wins, 1 draw). The club occupies 7th place in the standings, with Lyon, placed 6th, only ahead due to goal difference. Notably, Lens has conceded only 8 goals in away matches this Ligue 1 season, one of the best records among all teams in the current championship.
Reserve goalkeeper Denis Petric, defender Joanner Chavez, and forwards Florian Sotoca, Remy Labeau-Lascary, and Martin Satriano will miss the game due to health issues.
- The club has scored exactly twice in 5 of their last 6 away matches in this tournament.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 22 of Lens's last 24 away league matches.
- The team has scored in the first half in 5 of their last 6 away Ligue 1 matches.
Predicted lineup for Lens (5-3-2)
Mathew Ryan – Angelo Fulgini, Facundo Medina, Malang Sarr, Jonathan Gradit, Przemysław Frankowski – Neil El Aynaoui, Adrien Thomasson, Florian Sotoca – Gaël Kakuta, M'Bala Nzola.
Referee
Bastien Dechepy (France)
Matches – 8 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.7;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 63%.
Montpellier vs. Lens: Match Prediction
Montpellier's scoring form in recent home Ligue 1 matches has improved – despite being underdogs, the club is not afraid to push forward and create chances. The team has scored in their last 5 home games in this tournament, and in 4 of those, they scored at least twice. However, Montpellier still makes defensive errors, conceding in their last 12 home league matches.
Lens also struggles with defensive reliability in away Ligue 1 matches. The team has failed to keep a clean sheet in 6 of their last 8 away games in this tournament. However, they have no issues in attack, scoring in 16 of their last 17 away league matches. During this period, Lens only failed to score against the reigning champions, PSG (0-1).
I expect both teams to find the net in the upcoming match. My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
