Lens – Montpellier : Preview & Prediction
Lens have enjoyed an excellent start to the new Ligue 1 campaign, with just one defeat so far (G6, E3, P1), leaving them in fourth place as they continue their quest for European football next season after falling just a few points short of that goal last term. However, their only loss came last week in a 1-0 defeat away to Lille in the Derby du Nord, so the team will be expected to respond and avoid consecutive defeats for the first time since February.
Good defending has been key for Lens so far, and the goal conceded at home to Lille was the only one they have conceded in their last four league games. A return to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis could be of great help to the team, as the home side enter this matchday having taken more points in Ligue 1 at home than any other club (15 – G5).
Montpellier arrive at a much worse stage than Lens, having lost four of their last five league games (G1). Their bad habits on the pitch have not been helped by what is happening off it, after ten fans were banned following altercations in their recent 4-2 defeat to Toulouse. The away side will be hoping to return to the starting line-up for the right reasons this time by winning this game, but to do so the defence will need to improve.
Although they rank tenth, they have already conceded 21 goals this season – only two Ligue 1 teams have conceded more by the start of this matchday – and they also lost their last two league games by two goals. However, having won in three of their previous five visits to Lens in league action (P2) offers hope that Montpellier could turn their situation around.
Players to watch: Lens midfielder Salis Abdul Samed is the most fouled player in Ligue 1 for the opening day (27), Meanwhile, Stephy Alvaro Mavididi returns from injury and will want to score, something he did eight times in last season’s Ligue 1 campaign, including a winner against Lens.
Weekend stat: Montpellier have scored seven goals in the first 15 minutes in this Ligue 1 season – more than any other team in the league.
Lens – Montpellier : Betting Tips
Lens – Win Odds: 1.85
