Both clubs are separated by three places in the table, but an away win takes them above their ninth-placed hosts.
Match preview
Nantes returned to winning ways before the international break, defeating Strasbourg to record their second away victory of the 2023-24 season.
Pierre Aristouy's troops have undoubtedly fared better on their travels than in home games, with only one victory secured from four attempts.
That triumph came in a rip-roaring 5-3 success over Lorient in late September, although the victory extended the Canaries' unbeaten run in front of their fans to three games.
Draws with Monaco and Marseille have undermined Nantes' start to the season, and supporters at Stade de la Beaujoire hope the club secure back-to-back home wins for the first time since May 2022.
Most home victories have been followed with disappointing draws, and Aristouy hopes his team show something different on Sunday.
However, Montpellier will not be compliant opponents, especially as Michel Der Zakarian's team fare better on their travels.
La Paillade have zero victories at Stade de la Mosson after four matches but have secured two wins in four away grounds — defeating Lyon and Lorient.
They have accrued seven road points from a possible 12, making them the fourth-best side statistically behind Nice (10), PSG and Monaco, who have eight away points.
The absence of clean sheets in all but one match on their travels underscores Montpellier's inclination to outscore their opponents, and it remains to be seen if that approach works at Nantes.
Last season's corresponding fixture in May saw La Paillade claim a 3-0 triumph; a repeat will be just what the doctor ordered for Der Zakarian.
Nantes Ligue 1 form:
D
D
W
W
L
W
Montpellier HSC Ligue 1 form:
W
L
L
D
D
W
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Team News
Mostafa Mohamed is suspended for Sunday's game, having been sent off in Nantes' defeat by Rennes at the start of the month.
The home side are without injured quartet Douglas Augusto, Ignatius Ganago, Fabien Centonze and Nathan Zeze, who are not expected back for at least another week.
Maxime Esteve misses this weekend's game for Montpellier because of a sending-off before the international break.
Der Zakarian must do without Issiaga Sylla and Arnaud Nordin, whose injuries could rule them out until the end of the month.
Nantes possible starting lineup:
Lafont; Duverne, Comert, Castelletto, Merlin; Chirivella, Moutoussamy; Adson, Mollet, Simon; Abline
Montpellier HSC possible starting lineup:
Lecomte; Sacko, Omeragic, Kouyate, Sakho; Chotard, Ferri; Al-Taamari, Savanier, Khazri; Adams
We say: Nantes 2-2 Montpellier HSC
Sunday's game should be entertaining, but a score draw could be on the cards for teams expected to cancel each other out.
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