The Matchday 29 clash in Ligue 1 between Angers and Montpellier will take place on April 13 at the Stade Raymond Kopa. Angers vs. Montpellier: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Angers
Angers suffered their fifth consecutive defeat without scoring in Ligue 1, losing 0-1 to PSG in the previous round, conceding 12 goals during this stretch. This is the worst run for Angers since their return to the top flight of French football. Nevertheless, the team is still outside the relegation zone, sitting in 14th place, but their lead over the playoff zone has shrunk to just one point. Additionally, Angers' attack is one of the worst in the league, with only 26 goals scored, with only their upcoming opponent having scored fewer (21).
- The team has not won in 9 of their last 10 Ligue 1 matches (2 draws, 7 losses).
- At home, the club has lost without scoring in their last 4 Ligue 1 matches, conceding at least twice in each.
- One team failed to score in 7 of Angers' last 8 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Angers (5-3-2)
Yahia Fofana – Lilian Rao-Lisoa, Jordan Lefort, Abdoulaye Bamba, Florent Hanin, Jacques Ekomie – Yassin Belkhdim, Himad Abdelli, Jean-Eudes Aholou – Farid El Melali, Esteban Lepaul.
Montpellier
The club suffered their ninth consecutive defeat in the league, losing 0-2 to Le Havre in the previous match, with the last six losses being without scoring. This is the longest current losing streak in Ligue 1. Montpellier remains at the bottom of the league table, falling further behind the safety of 15th place, now trailing by 12 points. Besides having the worst attack of the current Ligue 1 season, the club also shares the title of worst defense with Saint-Etienne, having conceded 64 goals.
Following another setback, the team management dismissed head coach Jean-Louis Gasset, appointing Zoumana Camara as the new manager. Additionally, defender Bamo Meite is unavailable due to suspension.
- Montpellier has conceded at least twice in 7 of their last 9 league matches.
- No more than 2 goals were scored in 7 of the club's last 9 Ligue 1 matches.
- Away from home, the team has lost 12 of their last 13 matches in the top French division (1 win), with 10 of those defeats being without scoring.
Predicted lineup for Montpellier (4-5-1)
Benjamin Lecomte – Falaye Sacko, Bamo Meite, Modibo Sagnan, Issiaga Sylla – Jordan Ferri, Joris Chotard, Andy Delort, Teji Savanier, Tanguy Koulibaly – Nicolas Pépé.
Referee
Benoit Millot (France)
Matches – 13 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 55;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;
Red cards shown – 7;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 38%.
Match Prediction: Angers vs. Montpellier
Both teams are in crisis, but the hosts had a points cushion that allows them to realistically fight for survival in the top flight. However, Montpellier has fallen so far behind their competitors that escaping relegation seems nearly impossible. Yes, the visitors' management has changed the head coach for the second time this season, appointing Zoumana Camara, who previously led PSG's youth team. But this move likely comes too late.
After a managerial change, teams often get a boost and may even have successful spells, but achieving Montpellier's main goal seems unlikely. However, in this match, the visitors could potentially earn points. I disagree with the bookmakers, who see the hosts as clear favorites for the upcoming match. I am confident that the coaching change will play its part. Moreover, Angers looks as dreadful as their upcoming opponent. The club even lost their last four home matches in the league with an aggregate score of 0-11.
Additionally, both clubs have the weakest attacks in the current Ligue 1 season, so expecting a high-scoring game is unrealistic. The increased pressure for results will likely prevent the teams from displaying a vibrant attacking performance. Therefore, my prediction is Double Chance X2 + Total under 3.5 goals.