Last weekend’s round 6 fixtures disappointed slightly, with fewer goals than we are used to in Ligue 1 and with no fixture producing a match where both teams scored. With this round of fixtures offering a list of more competitive and close battles, we’re sure to see some entertaining offerings this weekend with some more drama, passion and incredible goals. This Saturday, Montpellier will play PSG, which on paper looks like a minor mismatch with the giants of oil-rich and star-studded PSG standing high above relative one-time league winners and relative minnows Montpellier in this David vs. Goliath fixture.
That being said, after their last performances it could be said that Montpellier is a side on the up and will be raring to go, while PSG may be nervous after they slumped to a win with in-fighting on the pitch and in the dressing room. Can Montpellier produce one of Ligue 1’s famous shocks?
Montpellier vs. PSG
3-Way: 1: Montpellier +1450; X: +650 Draw; 2: PSG -294
Spread +2: Montpellier -133; PSG +137
Total +3: Over -108; Under +104
Montpellier
Montpellier finally gained three points after failing to win in each of their last four with a 1:0 away win over Troyes away from home. The away side nearly opened the scoring with a correctly disallowed goal, as right-back Nordi Mukiele took a heavy touchdown the wing and tried to slide to cross the ball in, which was smashed in with a great finish, but on replay, the ball had clearly crossed the line before the cross was made. Troyes then came back forward and were unlucky just to hit the post, but fortunately for Montpellier, they struck first with Pedro Mendes heading into the far corner from a Stephane Sessegnon cross.
Following half-time, a Sessegnon corner caused more issues, taking a couple of deflections on its way and forcing a great save. Another great cross landed to Montpellier’s Roussillon, but he couldn’t find the right connection. Other than some late scares with a free kick and another shot that both went wide, Montpellier cruised to their second win of the season.
Another three points take Montpellier to a respectable 12th place after six games, but with just four goals scored, which will be of great concern for La Paillade, who’s summer losses of Ryad Boudebouz and Steve Mounié, who collectively scored 25 league goals last season, has only been highlighted by these statistics. Their replacement, Giovanni Sio, has failed to set the world alight scoring just once in four, and although it’s not a catastrophic return, it’s some way off replacing his predecessors.
A further reason for concern will be their next fixtures, which are probably the toughest run of games of all the Ligue 1 teams. Next, they play the unbeatable and un-drawable PSG at home, then current French champions Monaco away, then Nice, who finished 3rd last season, at home, followed by Saint Etienne away who are in great form and are currently sitting in 3rd place. This period could be the most important time in Montpellier’s entire season; will they capitulate and spiral downwards from here? Or can they show France that they are made of sterner stuff and put in some solid performances? Just a win or a couple of draws might be enough to impress and show that they are close to the next level.
Manager Michel Der Zakarian will be with a full squad for the match on Saturday.
Paris SG
Les Parisiens will be happy to have maintained their 100% record after beating Lyon 2:0, another side that was previously unbeaten, at the Parc des Princes. It was Lyon who had the first opportunity, with Memphis Depay cutting in and shooting, but straight at the keeper. Neymar then took the game by the reigns, nearly scoring from a corner which was acrobatically saved. The Brazilian again nearly produced some magic as he cut in, but his shot was also straight at the keeper, and he then had a well saved free kick.
Despite some dangerous attacks and the overall win, PSG definitely had their fair share of luck throughout the game, with Lyon hitting the crossbar and two own goals being the only difference between the two sides. The first own goal came from good work down the wing from substitute Giovani Lo Celso, who crossed the ball for Edinson Cavani who could not get a clean contact with the ball, but instead glanced it towards a Lyon defender who deflected the ball into his own net. The second own goal came after Neymar put teammate Kylian Mbappé through on goal, who tried to finish through the keeper’s legs but it was well saved, fortunately, the save bounced off keeper and defender and into the net.
Although the 2:0 win for PSG is an important statement over a good side in Lyon, perhaps their trickiest test so far, the talking point of this match will be the spat between Cavani and Neymar. Between the two goals, PSG was awarded a penalty after Mbappé was wrestled to the ground, and although Cavani stepped up to take the spot-kick as PSG’s first choice penalty-taker, Neymar tried to take the ball and take the kick himself; words were shared. Additionally, just a few minutes earlier, Dani Alves grabbed the ball off Cavani for a free kick and gave it to his fellow Brazilian Neymar. Furthermore, following the final whistle, Cavani stormed off the pitch as the rest of his team celebrated and further rumors have said that the two players had to be separated in the dressing room and that Neymar has asked that Cavani is sold. All is not well at Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the in-fighting, PSG can still be very satisfied with their league form, winning six of six games and leading Monaco by three points. Looking at their upcoming fixtures, PSG will likely continue their winning run, although they may rest some players due to their big Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich coming up.
Manager Unai Emery will have a full squad other than Angel Di Maria who is out with a hamstring injury. It will be interesting to see whether Unai Emery gives starts to both Cavani and Neymar against Montpellier.
Montpellier vs. Paris SG – MATCH PREDICTION
On paper, PSG should have enough quality to win this game and make it 21 points from 21. Saying that PSG may look to rest some players and field a weaker team with Champions League games coming, add to that that either Neymar or Cavani, possibly both, may be left out due to their recent spat.
PSG won’t go the whole season unbeaten, and I feel that with the circumstances, this could be their first slip up if there is ever going to be one. In addition, Montpellier beat PSG 3-0 in their last home fixture against the side.
Overall, I would take a punt at Montpellier getting a result, although they’ll have to pull a fantastic performance out of the bag and I’m not denying that a PSG win is still very much the likelier outcome.
MY PICK: Montpellier double chance 1X (+400)
