Montpellier vs Nantes: Betting Odds & Prediction
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Mid-table Montpellier host relegation-threatened Nantes in Ligue 1 on Friday evening.
The away side sit just three points above Le Havre, who occupy the relegation play-off spot heading into the weekend. Kick-off is set for 8pm UK time at the Stade de la Mosson.
Recent Form
Montpellier
Though the hosts sit in twelfth and just two places above their opponents, Montpellier's Ligue 1 status is all but assured for next season. They sit eight points adrift of the relegation play-off spot with only four games remaining, and will still hope to secure a top-half finish before the season is concluded.
Michel Der Zakarian's side's recent form suggest this could be on the cards, with Montpellier unbeaten in their last four league matches, three of which have ended in victory. Their only defeat since the end of February came at the hands of league leaders Paris Saint-Germain (2-6) back in March.
Surprisingly, Montpellier's home form is bettered by their record in away fixtures; they've averaged 1.13 points per home game compared to 1.33 on the road. Nevertheless, their goalscoring output has been identical regardless of the venue, with an average of 1.27 goals scored in both home and away matches.
Peculiarly, they've conceded more in away fixtures (1.47) than at home (1.33), and have also kept clean sheets in 47% of home matches so far.
Nantes
Remarkably, Nantes' away form has prevented them dropping further down the table. Despite losing their last eight matches at home, Nantes have recorded four wins in their last five on the road. The latest came with a 1-0 victory at Le Havre, three points which could prove vital if they are to survive the drop given Le Havre's positioning in the relegation play-off.
Another win this weekend could cement their Ligue 1 standing next season with Le Havre preparing to host league leaders PSG this weekend.
Nantes have still struggled to find the net in away fixtures though, averaging just 0.86 goals on their travels so far. 36% of these matches have seen Nantes fail to score, with Antoine Kombouaré's side scoring two or more goals in only 21% of their away fixtures.
Conceding goals has also been a major concern, with an average of 1.6 shipped home and away so far. Though this drops to 1.43 in away games, Nantes have still registered a clean sheet in just 29% of these matches.
Prediction
Nantes have no doubt impressed in away games in recent weeks, but are still facing an in-form Montpellier side who have won three of their last four. Their impressive defensive record at homes makes them the sensible pick against a toothless Nantes side this weekend.