Preview: Montpellier HSC vs. Auxerre - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, Auxerre have yet to earn three points in Ligue 1 this season, which is why they currently find themselves in the relegation zone.

Match preview

Montpellier have been the true entertainers of Ligue 1 so far this campaign, with their two games featuring 12 goals in total so far.

The season kickstarted well for Olivier Dall'Oglio's men with a 3-2 victory against Troyes, even though they were clawed back twice in the opening 20 minutes of the encounter.

A second goal from Teji Tedy Savanier late on in the second half secured the three points for his team, but the squad were unable to repeat that feat when they faced Paris Saint-Germain in the following game.

It was another match where Montpellier showcased their attacking qualities as Wahbi Khazri and Enzo Tchato found the back of the net, but there were defensive issues once again.

PSG managed to score five goals in the match to secure a major 5-2 victory, showcasing there is still improvements needed for the hosts heading into this Sunday.

The visitors have yet to earn three points this season, which is something they need to change in a bid to change their early fortunes in this campaign.

Auxerre started things with a heavy 4-1 defeat, and their defensive frailties were exposed again in the following match as they conceded another two goals.

Their latest encounter finished 2-2 against Angers, but it was a game that Jean-Marc Furlan will likely have felt his team should have won considering they did have a two-nil lead in the opening 10 minutes.

A red card to Lassine Sinayoko changed the tide of that match and allowed things to turn, which is why Auxerre are currently in the relegation zone.

Three points on Sunday would get them out of that situation though, with the Ligue 1 standings being incredibly tight right now.

Montpellier HSC Ligue 1 form:

Montpellier HSC form (all competitions):

Auxerre Ligue 1 form:

Auxerre form (all competitions):

Team News

Jordan Ferri was immediately brought back into the Montpellier starting lineup against PSG following his suspension, and he will likely retain his place in the midfield this weekend.

A thigh injury sustained by Stephy Mavididi has ruled out the striker as of late, and he will continue to miss out on Sunday which opens up another chance for Khazri to feature.

Sinayoko will begin his suspension this weekend for Auxerre which will force at least one change from Furlan, and Gaetan Perrin could be the man to take up that opportunity.

The visitors will also be without Theo Pellenard who recently underwent successful surgery on his pre-season ACL injury that is now set to keep him on the shelf for the foreseeable future.

Montpellier HSC possible starting lineup:

Omlin; Tchato, Sacko, Cozza, Sainte-Luce; Chotard, Wahi, Savanier, Ferri, Maouassa; Khrazi

Auxerre possible starting lineup:

Costil; Joly, Jubal, Jeanvier, Bernard; Toure, Perrin, Hein, Sakhi, Autret; Charbonnier

We say: Montpellier HSC 3-1 Auxerre

Both teams have showcased that they are not always the strongest at the back in terms of keeping clean sheets, and that should open this game up to feature plenty of goals.

Montpellier HSC have been free-scoring in the first two fixtures, and that could play a part in them securing all three points on Sunday.

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