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

The sides are separated by just two points in the upper end of the bottom half heading into the weekend.

Match preview

No club in Ligue 1 has amassed more points than Montpellier since their appointment of Michel Der Zakarian seven games ago.

The Armenian manager has taken 17 points from a possible 21 since taking over the hot seat at the club, steering them well clear of relegation.

Results under Der Zakarian are made even more remarkable when you consider Montpellier had won just 18 points in the 21 games before he arrived.

Defensive foundations have been key to his success, as the side have kept as many clean sheets under him - four - than they kept under the two previous managers this season combined.

Their great form continued last week when they surprised Marseille by taking a point from the Stade Velodrome.

After scoring all of the side's last four goals, Elye Wahi turned provider for Arnaud Nordin's opening goal last Friday, taking his goal contributions tally to 14 for the season.

Toulouse will also enter this fixture on a high after sealing their place in the Coupe de France final by beating Ligue 2 side Annecy on Thursday.

Fares Chaibi's late goal sealed a memorable victory for Philippe Montanier's side to set themselves up for an intriguing final against Nantes at the Stade de France later this month.

They can not afford to take their eyes off the ball in the league though, as they are not assured of safety just yet despite being nine points clear of trouble.

Five defeats in their last six league games means there is still a bit of doubt for their top-flight future, especially considering there are four relegation spots in Ligue 1 this season.

Unlike their upcoming opponents, Toulouse's defence has been a major let down this season, as they have not conceded as many goals at this stage of a season in 40 years - 51 in 29 games.

Montpellier HSC Ligue 1 form:

W

D

W

W

W

D

Toulouse Ligue 1 form:

L

L

L

W

L

L

Toulouse form (all competitions):

W

L

W

L

L

W

Team News

A recurrence of Theo Sainte-Luce's calf injury means he is a doubt again for Montpellier, while Kiki Kouyate is set to miss out due to concussion protocols.

Faitout Maouassa remains out following an injury picked up shortly before the international break.

Beni Makouana and Maxime Esteve remain sidelined, while backup goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud continues on his long road to recovery from a serious knee injury.

Toulouse boss Montanier named nine of their regular starters in the cup win over Annecy in midweek, so they may remain largely unchanged.

Maxime Dupe should come back in to replace cup goalkeeper Kjetil Haug, while centre-back Logan Costa could drop out for Anthony Rouault, who will return from suspension following a red card against Brest last week.

Rhys Healey remains Toulouse's only injury absentee heading into this clash.

Montpellier HSC possible starting lineup:

Lecomte; Sacko, Jullien, Sakho, Sylla; Chotard, Leroy, Savanier; Nordin, Wahi, Khazri

Toulouse possible starting lineup:

Dupe; Dealer, Rouault, Nicolaisen, Suazo; Spierings, Van den Boomen, Sierro; Aboukhlal, Dallinga, Ratao

We say: Montpellier HSC 2-0 Toulouse

In an often high-scoring fixture, there have been 18 goals scored in the last five meetings between the sides, including a 4-2 win for Toulouse in the reverse earlier this season.

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