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

Two teams in the top half of the Ligue 1 table will meet on Sunday when Montpellier HSC will welcome Monaco to Stade de la Mosson.

The hosts head into this match on the back of a defeat in their most recent performance, meanwhile the Monegasques have a three-game undefeated streak right now.

Match preview

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Montpellier are currently 10th in the Ligue 1 table, and that has come with mixed results to this point with four victories and five defeats.

At home is where the team have thrived the most though, winning three of the four matches to this point in front of their own fans.

However, Montpellier do head into Sunday's fixture on the back of a defeat away from home against Toulouse in what was a six-goal thriller.

Nicolas Cozza gave his team a seventh-minute lead in that game, and while Elye Wahi also got himself on the scoresheet, Montpellier ended up being beaten 4-2.

The defensive side of their game is something that Montpellier do need to work on though, as only three teams have conceded more goals to this point, all of which are in the bottom half of Ligue 1.

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On the other hand, Monaco have been stronger at the back and they have only conceded twice on the road across their opening four matches.

Philippe Clement's men have been just as impressive offensively, and that is something that was on display in midweek during their latest Europa League game.

Monaco defeated Trabzonspor 3-1 with Ben Yedder picking up a brace while central defender Axel Disasi also managed to get on the scoresheet.

The Monegasques will be hoping to push themselves into a Champions League position this season, but right now they are five points away from that goal.

A consistent run could lead to them putting real pressure on those above them, and after three wins in a row in their previous matches that is something they could be on their way to achieving.

Team News

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Wahi has been trusted to lead the line several times throughout the season so far for the hosts, and after scoring last weekend he should retain his place.

Pedro Mendes has been missing lately for Montpellier due to an injury, but he is expected to be available for a return in the near future.

However, they were boosted by Stephy Mavididi making his comeback from injury in their most recent fixture off the bench, and he could be ready for more minutes now.

Ben Yedder has scored five goals in his previous two matches for the visitors, and there is no doubt that he will continue to feature in the starting lineup in this match.

With a confident midweek behind them Clement could end up opting to go for an unchanged XI to continue the momentum the team has.

Montpellier HSC possible starting lineup:

Omlin; Tchato, Jullien, Esteve, Cozza; Ferri, Chotard, Nordin, Savanier, Khazri; Wahi

Monaco possible starting lineup:

Nubel; Vanderson, Disasi, Badiashile; Minamino, Fofana, Camara, Diatta, Golovin; Embolo, Ben Yedder

We say: Montpellier HSC 1-2 Monaco

Montpellier have the home advantage in this match, and that is something that could prove to be vital for them as they look to start climbing the league table.

However, because Monaco are in stronger form at the moment, and are coming off the back of a big victory they will be the favourites to win.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.