Montpellier vs Lille Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Montpellier Herault have already undergone a managerial change in the opening couple months of this season but they remain down towards the bottom end of the table as they now take on a Lille side that look very strong this season.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 1st December, 2024: UK – 2:00pm / US ET – 9:00am / US PT – 6:00am
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1 pass / US – beIN Sports
Montpellier Preview: Miserable Montpellier
In the opening few months of this season, Montpellier Herault have badly struggled and they eventually took the decision to part company with Armenian coach Michel Der Zakarian before the appointment of boyhood Montpellier fan Jean-Louis Gasset, most recently sacked by eventual AFCON winners Ivory Coast after the group stages of the 2023 AFCON this year.
They have been improved since his appointment but have remained dull to watch and they come into this one on the back of yet another defeat as they sit at the bottom-of-the-table. Last weekend they went to the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard and suffered a 1-0 loss to fellow strugglers Saint-Etienne thanks to a 47th minute winner from Benjamin Bouchouari.
Lille Preview: Entertaining and strong Lille
Over the summer, Paulo Fonseca departed for AC Milan with former Olympique Lyonnais and Stade Rennais boss Bruno Genesio taking charge and the northerners have continued to be impressive but perhaps even improved this season. They have already enjoyed famous wins in Europe, too, against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Their most recent outing saw them earn yet another victory in Europe as they defeated Bologna by two goals to one at the Renato Dall’Ara in midweek. That means they are now unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions after also defeated Rennes by a goal to nil at Stade Pierre-Mauroy last weekend.
Montpellier Team News: Several injuries
Jean-Louis Gasset is still trying to find a formula that can get them some consistent results but the hosts have several injury issues to deal with ahead of the visit of Lille.
Centre-back Kiki Kouyate is unavailable alongside defensive midfielder Khalil Fayad with a few other issues, too, including key attacker Akor Adams for this one.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lecomte; Tchato, Maksimovic, Sagnan, Sylla; Nzingoula, Chotard; Al Tamari, Savanier, Nordin; Khazri
Unavailable: Kouyate (Injured), Mincarelli (Injured), Issoufou (Injured), Adams (Injured), Fayad (Injured)
Questionable:
Lille Team News: No Angel Gomes
Lille have been dealing with a plethora of long-term injuries throughout this campaign and now England international midfielder Angel Gomes is dealing with a calf injury.
As well as the absence of the former Manchester United man, Lille are without the likes of Tiago Santos, Andre Gomes, Samuel Umtiti and Ethan, brother of Kylian, Mbappe.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Chevalier; Mandi, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Bouaddi; Zhegrova, Cabella, Bakker; David
Unavailable: Santos (Injured), Umtiti (Injured), Ang. Gomes (Injured), And. Gomes (Injured), Bentaleb (Illness), Mbappe (Injured)
Questionable:
Montpellier vs Lille Prediction
Montpellier will put in a low block for this one against Lille. They have a limited side with former Sunderland man Wahbi Khazri likely to once again lead their line up-front. Gasset is known for defensive football and that is expected to be the case throughout this season. That will suit Lille’s desire to extend their unbeaten run of form because they will simply control the ball and proceedings as a result. Lille are favourites but it may not be a thriller for the neutral.
Montpellier vs Lille Tip: Lille to win & under 3.5 goals
