Lyon vs Montpellier Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Olympique Lyonnais are fairly chaotic both on and off the pitch but that on-pitch chaos makes them very watchable as they push for the top four and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 4th January, 2025: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1 pass / US – beIN Sports
Lyon Preview: The impressive Pierre Sage
As mentioned, Lyon have been quite chaotic both on and off the pitch this season and that off the pitch chaos could see them suffer an administrative relegation but, on the pitch, they are once again pushing towards the top four in Ligue 1.
However, they did head into the winter break on the back of suffering a 3-1 defeat to league leaders Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes before a hard-fought 2-1 defeat of SC Feignies in the Round of 64 in the Coupe de France before Christmas.
Montpellier Preview: Rock-bottom Montpellier
In the first-half of the campaign, Montpellier Herault spent the entire season struggling down towards the bottom end of the table and Michel Der Zakarian was eventually sacked and replaced by boyhood Montpellier supporter Jean-Louis Gasset.
His Montpellier side have improved in terms of performances but, after 15 matches of the 2024/25 campaign, they remain rock-bottom with just two victories. They were also hammered 4-0 by lower league Le Puy F.43 Auvergne in the Coupe de France before Christmas.
Lyon Team News: Fully fit and available
Lyon reportedly have to sell as many as ten players in this window for financial reasons with Anthony Lopes already departing for Nantes. They are blessed with a fully fit and available squad, though, with no injury concerns or suspension issues.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Perri; Maitland-Niles, Clinton Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Matic; Nuamah, Veretout, Tolisso, Cherki; Mikautadze
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Montpellier Team News: Chotard suspended
Montpellier are dealing with several injury concerns ahead of their trip to Parc OL this weekend. Joris Chotard is unavailable due to suspension, whilst former Celtic centre-back Christopher Jullien is missing due to a knee injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lecomte; Tchato, Maksimovic, Omeragic, Sylla; Ferri, Nzingoula; Al Tamari, Savanier, Nordin; Adams
Unavailable: Jullien (Injured), Chotard (Suspended)
Questionable: Kouyate (Injured), Mincarelli (Injured), Maamma (Injured), Fayad (Injured)
Lyon vs Montpellier Prediction
Lyon are a brilliant side to watch as a neutral because of their unpredictability and the attacking manner in which Pierre Sage wants his side to play. Jean-Louis Gasset is known for his defensive and reactive style of football but Montpellier’s best performances under him have come when they have been able to get on the front foot. Lyon should win and win well in what should be a high-scoring and entertaining encounter at Parc OL.
Lyon vs Montpellier Tip: Lyon to win & over 2.5 goals
