Montpellier vs Toulouse Predictions

Antoine Kombouaré opened his account at his third club in twelve months in fine fashion as Toulouse beat last year’s runners-up Lille 2-1 a few weeks ago. It appeared as the start of a new era at the club as the players showed a new lease of life in their football, Arsenal reject Yaya Sanogo being the main benefactor. However, since then Toulouse have lost their two league matches, both ending 3-2 with les Violets conceding decisive late goals twice. It really has brought the Pink City club back to earth and they need to regroup here as they travel to the region of Occitania.

Toulouse had actually been alright in attack prior to Kombouaré’s arrival but they have really kicked it up a notch since he has been in charge with them creating the third most chances of any Ligue 1 team and scoring six goals over the last three games. Despite this blistering attack, it has come at the cost of their defence as they have also conceded the third most chances and most goals of any team in that time. Things could get worse for Toulouse in this coming match as they will be the visitors. Toulouse are one of five teams to have not won a single game on the road this season, picking up just three points of a possible 18 away from home. 

Montpellier will be relishing in the opportunity as third bottom Toulouse are coming to town but Michel Der Zakarian’s men really need to put them to the sword as they have lacked a cutting edge in recent weeks. La Paillade have won just one of their last five league games, failing to score in three of them. Montpellier have created the fourth most chances of any Ligue 1 team this season but have only managed to score a fairly below average eleven goals so far.

However, as has been a major theme in this year’s Ligue 1 campaign, Montpellier’s home form has been incredible with them unbeaten in their last six matches at the Stade de la Mosson, winning five of them. They have kept three clean sheets in this time and have conceded just three goals in their six league matches at the Mosson this season so should be confident of surpassing this Toulouse side. 

Toulouse have been very top-heavy in recent weeks, and to great effect, so we’re backing them to hit the back of the net in this one, especially against a side that conceded twice in Metz last week. However, Montpellier’s home form has been largely unrivalled this season and we’re backing them to continue that against les Violets who haven’t made a great name for themselves on the road so far. We’re expecting the hosts to win this match 2-1. Montpellier have won each of their last three clashes with Toulouse with two of them ending 2-1.