Montpellier vs Marseille Prediction & Betting Tips (20 October)

Montpellier's poor form is glaring over the first two months of competition. The MHSC, defeated in 5 of its last 6 meetings, cannot do better than 17th place. This will be synonymous with relegation at the end of the season. The Héraultais lost to Monaco 2-1 and Reims 4-2 before the break when they had just gleaned, on September 22 against Auxerre 3-2, their only success since the start of the season. There is urgency for Montpellier, the worst defense in Ligue 1 with 21 goals conceded in 7 matches. The results are imperative for his trainer Michel Der Zakarian.

 Marseille's results which preceded the break somewhat marred its good start to the season. Roberto De Zerbi's players remained on 4 wins and a draw before suffering a 1-0 defeat in Strasbourg and being held to a draw by Angers 1-1, the red lantern in the standings. Despite these poor performances, the club from the Marseille city completes the podium, 3 points behind PSG and 5 behind Monaco, leader against all expectations. To make up for it with its supporters, Marseille has no other choice than to win at poorly ranked Montpellier this Sunday evening. 

Winger Coulibaly (no goals in 5 matches) returns from injury for Montpellier but the club sees its starting central defender Sagnan in turn absent for this reason. The defensive sector is undermined by withdrawals since central Kouyaté and Jullien are injured. The full-back Sainte-Luce (no match), the offensive Tamari who has been absent for a few weeks and the young winger Maamma (19 years old, only 1 match) are on their side uncertain. That's a lot for Michel Der Zakarian who can however count on central defender Omegaric and attackers Adams (3 goals) and Nordin (2 goals). The last city scored a double on the last day. On the Marseille side, Roberto De Zerbi is still forced to do without the services of replacement goalkeeper Blanco, striker Moumbagna and Canadian midfielder Koné, who are injured.

In addition, Maupay (1 goal) is suspended after his red card received in the last match and midfielder Carboni, who appeared 4 times this season, was seriously injured with the Argentine selection during the international break. The truce was also not fruitful for left back Merlin. The former Nantes player, having just returned from injury, played with the France Espoirs team and returned to Marseille injured again. He is uncertain for this trip to Hérault. Greenwood (5 goals) remains the Olympian top scorer although he has slowed down in recent matches.