Montpellier vs Lyon – 27/08/2019 Preview

Montpellier vs Lyon should be one of the most interesting matches during the 3rd round of French Ligue 1, at Stade de la Mosson, in Montpellier. Both teams have a good past in League 1, but Lyonnais over the past 20 years has achieved much higher results. Over the past 20 years, Lyon has been the champions of Ligue 1 7 times and did not stand below the 5th position. Montpellier shows very mixed results, since they were champions in the 2011/12 season, but they also took 15th place several times, which indicates an unstable form of the club.

Lyon vs Montpelier is always very interesting and productive game. The last 5 games in different competitions finished with goals from both teams, however, Lyon won twice and only once Montpellier were stronger at Coupe de la Ligue, at home ground. At home, Montpellier is a very difficult opponent, especially at the beginning of the season they could reach planned result even playing against Lyon. This game should be very thrilling, so please read our thoughts about this Ligue 1 match here below, to make the right conclusions.

Montpellier

Montpellier together with Michel Der Zakarian already 3 seasons reaching every year higher and higher results. When Michel came to the club, he was responsible for getting the club to the higher position, as they finished at 15th place. During the last 3 years, he made a really great job, and in 2018/19 season they finished at 6th place. Unfortunately, they left out of Europe competitions and should find a way to succeed this year and take an even higher place in Ligue 1.

During the summer transfer window, they sold several players. Benjamin Lecomte and Ruben Aguilar, two strong main squad players left to Monaco in total for 22m €. Moreover, they sold Isaac Mbenza to Huddersfield and Ellyes Skhiri to FC Koln. With the money they earned, they acquired several experienced players.

This year started unlucky for the squad, as after two matches they have only 1 point. La Paillade failed to score an important penalty against Rennes and finally lost the game even playing against Rennes who were in the minority after the 69-minute red card. Montpelier totally controlled second half, however, they did not succeed in overcoming the opponent’s defence. Away, playing against Bordeaux in the second round, Montpellier were one step away from important 3 points. They were leaders of the match since scored goal at 22nd minute. However, the second half was much more strong for the home team and they equalised the game at 70th minute and drawn the game. The team should improve the game and use the chances to win the game, as in both past games, there were such chances.

Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais played in UEFA Champions League 1/8 Finals against Barcelona last season, however, even after a great game at home they lost 5:1 at Camp Nou. Previously during the group stage, they have drawn 5 matches and won against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium, in Manchester. In general, they had a very successful season as they reached a maximum in Champions League. Lyon took 3rd place in Ligue 1 and were semifinalists in Coupe de France, unfortunately, lost to Rennes.

This season they started very easily with 2 confident wins, even without conceded goals. Lyon won against Monaco at Stade Louis II with 3:0, at the opening round. In the second round, they took even more strong victory against Angers at home, with 6:0 final result. In total, already after 2nd round, they have 9 scored and 2 clean sheets, what is the best result in Ligue 1.

During the summer transfer window, they made several squad changes. Firstly, they sold Tanguy Ndombele to Spurs for 60m €, Ferland Mendy to Real Madrid for 40m € and Nabil Fekir to Real Betis for 20m €. All these players were leaders of the squad and a very important part of a successful game. Replacing them, Lyon brought several talented and young players. Jeff Reine-Adelaide will strengthen the middle of the pitch and should strongly change Ndombele. Joachim Andersen should be a great addition to a strong defence. And very fast 27 years old Brazilian Thiago Mendes from Lille should be a great defensive midfielder. If they continue to play confidently and strongly, then there is no doubt that they will be one of the favourites to become champions of this season in League 1.

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