Prediction: PSG vs Montpellier

Verdict: Kylian Mbappe to score

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Paris Saint-Germain has the opportunity to secure their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions when they host Montpellier HSC at the Parc des Princes for a Friday evening Ligue 1 clash.

In their last match, Luis Enrique’s team held off a late challenge from Brest to win 3-2, while Montpellier scored three goals without reply in the Occitanie derby against Toulouse.

Paris Saint-Germain

Warren Zaire-Emery, PSG’s young prodigy, added to his value with a spectacular opening goal in their last match, and Kylian Mbappe followed with his trademark near-post finish, doubling the champions’ lead in the first half.

However, Brest, who have been one of the early-season surprises in Ligue 1, put up a fight in front of their home crowd and managed to equalize through headers from Steve Mounie and Jeremy Le Douaron. In the 89th minute, Mbappe secured the victory by converting a rebound after being denied from the penalty spot by Marco Bizot. The match featured outstanding performances from both goalkeepers,  Bizot and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

PSG’s win over Brest was their fourth consecutive victory, and they scored exactly three goals in each of these wins. Under Luis Enrique’s management, the team is just one point behind Nice at the top of the table, with an identical gap separating them from third-placed Monaco. They boast a +14 goal difference, the best in the French top flight.

PSG have experienced vulnerabilities at the Parc des Princes in recent months, but they won their last four home matches without conceding a single goal. Also, they scored at least twice in each of their last six home games.

Team News

PSG’s defensive issues in their thrilling five-goal match against Brest were partly due to the absence of Marquinhos, who was sidelined with a groin injury. However, the Brazilian center-back may make a quick return to the lineup this weekend.

Unfortunately for the Ligue 1 champions, however, they continue to be without several key players. Nuno Mendes is dealing with a hamstring issue, Marco Asensio has a foot injury, Sergio Rico is recovering from head trauma, Presnel Kimpembe is working on his fitness, and Keylor Navas has a back problem. Additionally, Layvin Kurzawa missed the last match due to illness.

If Marquinhos returns, it would likely push makeshift center-back Danilo Pereira to the bench. Enrique may also consider bringing back Manuel Ugarte and Randal Kolo Muani to the starting lineup.

Montpellier

Montpellier faced severe sanctions from the LFP just a couple of days before their match against Toulouse due to an incident in their abandoned clash with Clermont, where a firecracker thrown from the crowd hit Lanciers goalkeeper Mory Diaw. Despite the off-field distractions, however, they managed to secure a 3-0 victory over Toulouse, with Nigerian striker Akor Adams scoring twice.

Michel Der Zakarian’s team currently sit in 11th place in Ligue 1 with a record of three wins, three draws, and three defeats. While the win over Toulouse was their second in their last seven Ligue 1 matches, they have kept three clean sheets in their last four games, which could give them some hope against PSG.

However, the head-to-head record between the two teams does not bode well for Montpellier. PSG has won their last nine meetings across all competitions, and they haven’t failed to score more than once against Montpellier in a single match since a goalless draw in September 2017.

Team News

Joris Chotard had to be withdrawn from the win over Toulouse due to muscular pain, but he has reportedly trained normally this week and is expected to return to the midfield for the match against PSG. Defender Maxime Esteve, who experienced calf cramps during the Occitanie derby, is also expected to be available.

Becir Omeragic, who was dealing with a foot issue, may have a chance of returning to the matchday squad. The only potential absence from the Montpellier squad is Arnaud Nordin, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.

Der Zakarian is unlikely to make significant changes to the lineup that convincingly defeated Toulouse.

Conclusion

Monpellier have a good defensive record from recent matches, having not conceded in the previous three, but coming to the Parc des Princes and trying to stop Mbappe and Co. will obviously be a different prospect. PSG are strong favourites to win and retake the top of the Ligue 1 table, at least for a short while.

Verdict: Kylian Mbappe to score

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet