Metz vs Montpellier Hsc Prediction & Betting Tips - Ligue 1

Prediction published on 15/12/2023, 09:51  by Joseph King | Modified on 17/12/2023 at 01:00 in Ligue 1 Prediction

Two teams hovering right above the relegation zone square off in the French Ligue 1 when 12th-place Metz host 14th-place Montpellier for matchday 16. Metz had experienced a purple patch of form from late October into November which saw them take eight points from a possible 12. Since then, however, the Maroons have now lost their last two matches on the bounce with the most recent being a 1-0 home defeat to Brest. The hosts have struggled to get consistent wins when playing at the Stade Saint-Symphorien, posting just a 1-3-3 record in seven Ligue 1 fixtures. Their recent loss was the second straight game that László Bölöni’s team were unable to find the net. It also marked the fourth time this season that Metz have failed to get on the scoresheet when playing in front of the home fans, the second-highest mark in Ligue 1.

Montpellier are experiencing a lengthy winless run which has thrust the 2011/12 league champions into a potential relegation scrap. A 0-0 home draw with Lens last weekend means that La Paillade have now gone six matches without a victory, drawing three and losing the other three. The results have Montpellier sitting just two points above 16th-place Lorient for what would be a relegation playoff position. Away points have been hard to come by for the visitors in recent trips as they’ve now lost their last three straight on the road. To make matters worse, Montpellier’s attacking output has all but dried up. They’ve managed only two total goals scored in their last six games and have been shutout in their last three consecutive away games. What has been the most disappointing has been Montpellier’s dreadful finishing. They’ve actually managed to create 11 clear cut chances in their last four appearances but cashed in only twice.