Ligue 1 Match Prediction: Lyon vs. Montpellier

Match Date: 02 March 2014 (local)

Match Venue: Stade de Gerland

Lyon

Lyon’s run in the French top-tier league this year has generally been pleasant, with only one match causing them a three-point deficit. Of their seven most recent fixtures, five closed rather astonishingly with clean sheets obtained from Sochaux 2-0, Reims 0-2, and Evian TG 3-0. They currently rank at number six, only four points short of barging into the elusive top four and boasting of a goal difference of nine.

Les Gones’ main strength relies heavily on their ability to shoot from direct free kicks and create chances through individual skills. They are also well-armed at attacking down the wings, converting opportunities, and defending set pieces. What they need to pay more attention to is their defense of counter attacks.

Montpellier

The 2014 started off (and finished, at least for now) positively for Montpellier, having been able to maintain a clean record in Ligue 1 since their very first fixture this year. In fact, the majority of their victories were bagged from this period, posting four wins out of seven matches. They already obtained 32 points in total to help them rank near the top half.

La Paillade are marginalized (to some criteria) due to their weak skills in possession, avoiding offside, and protecting the lead. However, this does not necessarily make them an undernourished contender. Besides, they got good talents in creating chances and battling in aerial duels.

Online betting tip: Lyon and Montpellier will surely create a thriller. Expect this face-off to be an exciting showdown of breathtaking exchanges that may even cause the sides to share the points at the match’s conclusion.

Lyon | Image source: eurosport.fr