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

Montpellier dismissed manager Romain Pitau after less than four months in charge earlier this week, with the club hovering two points above the relegation zone.

Match preview

After starting the 2022-23 Ligue 1 campaign with a run of seven losses in 11 games, Montpellier parted ways with manager Olivier Dall'Oglio in October, appointing Pitau as his successor.

However, Pitau failed to turn the tide at the Stade de la Mosson, and the former Montpellier player was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, having managed to win just two of his 11 league matches in charge.

Following a 2-0 defeat to Strasbourg last weekend, La Paillade head into Sunday's clash on a run of five defeats in six Ligue 1 outings, and they have also lost 10 of their previous 14 league encounters.

As a result, MHSC find themselves just two points clear of the drop zone, while only bottom club Angers have suffered more defeats than Montpellier's 14 this season.

Montpellier can take confidence from the fact that they have scored more goals than nine teams in the division, but they also have the fourth-worst defensive record, having conceded 45 goals this term.

It is worth remembering that Brest have also experienced a managerial change this season, as they replaced Michel Der Zakarian with caretaker boss Bruno Grougi in October, before appointing Eric Roy on a permanent basis in January.

The Pirates lost 10 of their opening 17 league games this term but remain unbeaten since Roy took charge, having registered one win and four draws under the 55-year-old's watch.

Of course, Brest will need to start turning draws into wins if they are to steer clear of relegation trouble, but they appear to be heading in the right direction after chalking up a five-match unbeaten run.

After holding Lille to a goalless draw, Brest drew 1-1 with Toulouse before thrashing Angers 4-0, with subsequent draws against Lyon and Lens extending their impressive streak under Roy.

Not only have the Pirates scored five goals across the last three games, but they have also conceded just twice in the previous five - keeping three clean sheets in the process - so they head to the Stade de la Mosson in solid form.

Montpellier HSC Ligue 1 form:

L

L

L

W

L

L

Brest Ligue 1 form:

L

D

D

W

D

D

Brest form (all competitions):

D

D

L

W

D

D

Team News

Montpellier are still without long-term injury absentees Dimitry Bertaud, Pedro Mendes and Theo Sainte-Luce, with the latter rupturing his ACL back in August.

Beni Makouana is also expected to be absent this weekend after missing the last three games, meaning that Stephy Mavididi, Arnaud Nordin and Wahbi Khazri are likely to make up the forward line.

Brest, meanwhile, look set to be without the injured trio of Brendan Chardonnet, Noah Fadiga and Mathias Pereira Lage this weekend.

The Pirates made several signings during the winter transfer window, including veteran striker Loic Remy, so the 36-year-old could make his debut for the club this weekend.

Montpellier HSC possible starting lineup:

Lecomte; Mbiayi, Kouyate, Esteve, Sylla; Ferri, Chotard, Fayad; Nordin, Khazri, Mavididi

Brest possible starting lineup:

Bizot; Lala, Dari, Herelle, Brassier; Lees-Melou; Honorat, Camara, Belkabla, Le Douaron; Mounie

We say: Montpellier HSC 0-1 Brest

Although Brest have drawn four of their last five games, they will be confident of dispatching Montpellier, having crushed Angers 4-0 at the end of January.

By contrast, Montpellier have lost six of their previous seven matches across all competitions, so the hosts look set to suffer another defeat at the hands of the resurgent Pirates.

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