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

Match preview

Montpellier have made a solid, if not spectacular start to the Ligue 1 season, having taken nine points from their opening seven games, which leaves them in the top half of the table.

La Paillade were particularly impressive in their last match, chalking up a 3-0 win away at FC Lorient, courtesy of a brace from Akor Adams and a Teji Savanier penalty, while they have also picked up an impressive 4-1 victory at Lyon.

Michel Der Zakarian's side have the best away record in Ligue 1, but they are still searching for their first victory at the Stade de la Mosson, having taken just two points from their opening three games.

However, Montpellier should stand a very good chance of getting their first win on the board this weekend against a Clermont side that have made a very poor start to the campaign.

Having finished eighth in Ligue 1 last term, the Lancers would have been hoping to kick on this season, but they have been unable to replicate their strong form from the back end of the 2022-23 campaign, when they won eight of their final 10 games.

CF63 have taken just two points from their opening seven games, meaning they are level on points with bottom-of-the-table Lyon, although they are sitting above them on goal difference.

Pascal Gastien's side are already five points from safety, so their form will have to pick up quickly if they want to avoid being cut adrift near the bottom of the Ligue 1 table, but there are positives to take from their last match.

Last time out, Clermont held reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain to a 0-0 draw at the Stade Gabriel Montpied, putting in a resolute defensive performance, which should give them confidence heading into Sunday's game.

However, the Lancers will definitely need to improve on the front foot if they are to take anything from their match, having only scored five goals this season, the second-lowest amount in Ligue 1.

Montpellier HSC Ligue 1 form:

W

L

L

D

D

W

Clermont Ligue 1 form:

L

L

D

L

L

D

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Team News

Montpellier do not have many injury concerns to deal with, but Theo Sainte-Luce remains sidelined, having missed the entire season with a long-term injury issue.

After the 3-0 win against FC Lorient last time out, it would not be a surprise if Der Zakarian sticks with the exact same starting lineup, with Adams set to lead the line having scored a brace in the last match.

As for Clermont, Yoel Armougom will not be involved once again, having not been named in the last four matchday squads due to injury, while Neto Borges is also poised to miss out, meaning Jim Allevinah should keep his place at left-wing back.

There were positive signs for CF63 in their 0-0 draw against PSG last time out, so Gastien may also choose to stick with the exact same starting lineup.

Montpellier HSC possible starting lineup:

Lecomte; Sacko, Omeragic, Kouyate, Esteve; Ferri, Chotard, Al-Tamari, Savanier, Khazri; Adams

Clermont possible starting lineup:

Diaw; Seidu, Pelmard, Caufriez; Konate, Gonalons, Magnin, Gastien, Allevinah; Cham, Nicholson

We say: Montpellier HSC 2-1 Clermont

Montpellier HSC have made a solid start to the Ligue 1 season, while Clermont have looked very poor barring their last match against Paris Saint-Germain.

As such, we expect MHSC to get their first home win of the season on the board this Sunday, consolidating their place in the top half of the Ligue 1 table.

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