Our prediction for this Ligue 1 match:
Montpellier will be looking to put an end to their three-game losing streak in Ligue 1 as they host struggling Auxerre in round 5. La Paillade are desperate to get back on track after a poor run of form, and this seems like an ideal opportunity for them to turn things around. With no fresh injury concerns, Montpellier will be aiming to return to winning ways in the national championship this weekend.
The visitors, on the other hand, have had a difficult time defensively, conceding heavily in recent matches, including back-to-back losses to Monaco and Le Havre. Their backline has been further weakened by injuries to the likes of Lasso Coulibaly, Ange Loic N’Gatta, Gideon Mensah, and Ousoumane Camara. Given Auxerre’s defensive problems and Montpellier’s determination to get back on course, we predict that the hosts will emerge triumphant in Sunday's clash.
Highlighted Player (Téji Savanier):
Born in Montpellier on December 22, 1991, Teji Savanier is a French footballer who plays for Nimes in the Ligue 1 as a midfielder. Savanier began his senior career at Arles-Avignon and it has to be noted that he played for the club from 2011 to 2015.
Ahead of the start of the 2015/2016 Ligue 2 campaign, Teji Savanier joined Nimes and he has been playing for the club ever since. The 171-cm tall midfielder has established himself as a first-team regular at Nimes and he successfully plays for the club in the French top flight. Savanier’s main position is central midfield, but he is used as an attacking midfielder as well. His preferred foot is right.
Despite producing fine performances for Nimes in all competitions, Teji Savanier has yet to receive a call-up for the French national football team. His contract with Nimes should expire on June 27, 2018.
Highlighted Team (Montpellier):
Over the years Montpellier have established themselves as a mid-table side in French Ligue 1. Montpellier are considered one of the youngest clubs in France as they were founded in 1974, but it has to be noted that a number of high-profile footballers played for the club in the past. French football legend Laurent Blanc played for Montpellier from 1981-1993 and he scored 76 goals in 24 appearances in the league for the club. Eric Cantona, Roger Milla, Carlos Valderama and Olivier Giroud played in Montpellier’s colors as well, but Pascal Baills is the player with most appearances for the club (429).
La Paillade did remarkably well to win the Ligue 1 trophy in 2012 and that is considered the club’s biggest success. Montpellier won Coupe de France on two occasions (1929, 1990), with the team beating FC Sete and FC Paris respectively in the title games. The team welcome their rivals at Stade de la Mosson and the capacity of the stadium is 32.900. In 1999 Montpellier won the UEFA Intertoto Cup.