Montpellier Hsc vs Marseille Prediction & Betting Tips - Ligue 1

Prediction published on 11/03/2020, 09:27  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 13/03/2020 at 09:19 in Ligue 1 Prediction

Ligue 1 action this weekend sees Marseille making the trip to Montpellier on Saturday. The hosts, eighth in the table, are trying to combat a bad run of form that has seen them lose three of their last four league matches. Marseille, meanwhile, are flying in second place having lost only once in their last 17 league matches. Bossed by Andres Villas-Boas, Marseille stand virtually no chance of winning the title (they're 12 points behind leaders PSG), but, six points clear of third, look very likely to secure a Champions League place this season. Much of their success this season has been down to Dimitri Payet, the former West Ham star being the highest-rated non-PSG player in the top flight, according to WhoScored. Many will already be familiar with Payet's brand of virtuosity. He is capable of scoring (nine goals this season) and creating (four assists). No player in Ligue 1 has a higher key passes average per game than Payet's four. Montpellier defenders won't waste much time debating who Marseille's dangerman is. 

The star of Montpellier's season so far, Teji Savanier may be set on Payet to try to nullify the veteran attacker. Savanier is the next player on that WhoScored ratings list after Payet. While he has chipped in with his fair share of goals, Savanier's strength is on the defensive side. He organises Montpellier's midfield and protects the defence. Many see him as a deep-lying playmaker who may not be at the club after the summer transfer window closes. The second-best away team in the division, Marseille travel to the club with the third-best home record in Ligue 1. We expect the sides to cancel each other in what should be an entertaining draw.