Montpellier vs Strasbourg Prediction & Betting Tips (18 August)

A rather modest club on the scale of the French championship, Montpellier logically had to settle for a place in the soft underbelly last year by only taking 12th final place in Ligue 1. The Hérault club, however, did not no need to worry too much about remaining in the elite since he finished with a fairly comfortable lead of 13 points over the play-off and future relegated player, Metz. This year, Michel Der Zakarian's men should probably not have many more ambitions than in previous years and they should once again be careful to stay a good distance from the red zone before considering anything else. Several friendly matches were on the Paillade program this summer. The Héraultais first drew against Girona 3-3, before losing to Southampton 3-1. They will then challenge St-Etienne, Fiorientina, AS Cannes and finally Mainz, a week before the resumption of hostilities. Opposite, Strasbourg did not really convince last year.

Passed under the American flag during the last off-season, Racing undoubtedly hoped to at least enter the 1st part of the ranking but it was unable to obtain better than a final 13th place with 3 points less than its opponent from the day to the evening of the last day. A mixed season which pushed the leaders to part ways with coach Patrick Vieira and his replacement is still not known. Of course, the Alsatians will undoubtedly want to do better this year and, why not, play a role in the race for Europe even if the competition promises to be fierce. The first preparation matches were not very convincing for the Strasbourg side who were held by Wolfsberger 0-0 then heavily beaten by Fenerbahce 0-4 and Karlsruhe 4-1. They will still have to compete against Freiburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Few movements to report for the moment on the Montpellier side except the departures of full-back Hefti (Genoa, return from loan), winger Karamoh (Torino, return from loan) and potentially starting midfielder Leroy (FC Basel). The headliner of this Hérault squad should always be its captain, Teji Savanier, who with 9 goals and 6 assists last year, remains the most dangerous player in this team. Authors of great debuts last season after their arrival, the Nigerian Adams (8 goals) and the Jordanian Al-Tamari (5 goals, 2 assists) encountered much more difficulties from the month of November. Watch out for the formidable Arnaud Nordin (5 goals, 3 assists) who was able to shine after his return from injury. Heavily injured at the end of last season, central defender Jullien and midfielder Gueguin will not be fit for this first day. Summoned with the Bleuets to compete in the Olympics, the young midfielder Chotard is not guaranteed to be present either. Strasbourg let several important elements leave this summer, starting with the South African Mothiba (free), the veteran Gameiro ( free), the precious midfielder Sissoko (Bochum) and the interesting Aholou (Angers).

Loaned by satellite club Chelsea, young Brazilians Andrey Santos and Angelo returned to London during the off-season while midfielder Deminguet was loaned to Metz. Recruited last winter from IMT Belgrade where he finished the season, the promising Serbian center forward Lukovic will experience his first official competition with Racing. This will also be the case for new arrivals Oscar Perea (Atletico Nacional) and Pape Diong (AF Darou Salam). Loaned last year, goalkeeper Risser (Dijon), left-back Sobol (Genk) and the promising Kandil (Annecy) are back in Alsace while full-back Guela Doué has arrived from Stade Rennais. With 8 goals scored last year, the Dutchman Emegha was Strasbourg's top scorer last year but he was not always convincing. Bakwa (3 goals, 6 assists) showed some promise.