Monaco hoping to seal second-place finish in Montpellier clash.

2024-09-22

As Montpellier hopes to climb the table amidst a streak of mixed results, they host a powerful Monaco side eyeing a secure second-place finish in what promises to be a riveting clash at Stade de la Mosson.

Montpellier

Montpellier moved one spot down the table to 11th place, having alternated between a win and a draw in the last five Ligue 1 games following a 2-1 win over Toulouse. They take on Monaco, holding 40 points and hoping to defy the trend for back-to-back victories.

Montpellier, with a goal ratio of 1.28 this season, having scored 41 goals in 32 Ligue 1 games, have conceded 44 goals over the course of the season. Finishing a few places up the table would be ideal for the side that finished in 12th place last season.

A win could see Montpellier climb a few places up the table if favorable outcomes emerge elsewhere while remaining unbeaten in seven Ligue 1 matches. However, Monaco are the opponent against whom Montpellier have suffered the most defeats in Ligue 1.

Following a 2-0 defeat in the Principality in the reverse fixture, La Paillade could lose both matches in the same season in the top-flight against ASM for the first time since 2016–17. A 4-3-1-2 formation with Akor Adams and Musa Al-Taamari in attack is expected for the weekend's game against Monaco.

Michel Der Zakarian will be without the suspended trio of Lucas Mincarelli, Arnaud Nordin, and Téji Tedy Savanier, who was sent off in the 2-1 win over Toulouse.

Monaco

With third-placed Brest earning a point in a 1-1 draw with Reims on Friday, Monaco can seal a second-place finish with a win over Montpellier this weekend.

The Principality club [WWWLW] are three points above 3rd-placed Brest [58 points], having accumulated 61 points [18W, 7D, & 7L] following last weekend's 4-1 win over Clermont Foot. Last weekend's victory leaves Monaco with only one defeat in ten Ligue 1 matches [7W, 2D, 1L].

Before the improved run of form, the visitors had lost four of their previous ten [4W, 2D, 4L].

Adi Hütter could deploy a conventional 4-4-2 with Embolo and Ben Yedder, who bagged a brace [57', 87'] against Clermont Foot, in attack for this fixture against Montpellier. Takumi Minamino is suspended after an accumulation of yellow cards. Eliesse Ben Seghir will return from suspension, while Aleksandr Golovin and Denis Zakaria are both ruled out due to injuries.