SlipsTips is back with two plays from Ligue 1 on Sunday, with Montpellier's meeting with Clermont Foot under the microscope.
Montpellier vs Clermont Foot (Sunday, 14:00)
Montpellier meet Clermont Foot on Sunday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 to six matches.
The new manager bounce has well and truly benefited the hosts, who have taken 13 points from five games since taking the decision to re-hire Michel Der Zakarian last month.
In contrast, Clermont Foot have taken maximum points form just one of their last eight league games, most recently losing 4-0 at home to Lens.
Having said that, Pascal Gastien's,12th placed side are pretty much in no man's land with 11 rounds of fixtures left to play, having eased any relegation fears, while a European berth is out of reach.
With that in mind, I was pleasantly surprised to see in-form Montpellier chalked up as 10/11 (Betfair) to bank three points here, so much so that I'm more than happy to back them to prevail at the price.
As already alluded to, Montpellier have demonstrated marked improvement since re-appointing the aforementioned Michel Der Zakarian, winning four and drawing one of their last five league games, the latest of which brought up my Bet Builder.
It’s also worth pointing out that the men from the Stade de la Mosson have only failed to make the net bulge in five of their 27 Ligue 1 outings this season, striking at least once in 12 of their 14 contests in front of their own supporters.
That knack of netting doesn’t bode well for a Clermont Foot side whose confidence will be fragile after being thumped 4-0 at Lens last time out.
What’s more, Les Lanciers have leaked at least one goal in 15 of their last 20 French top-flight fixtures, which doesn’t make for positive reading with regards to their prospects of keeping fast-improving Montpellier at bay.
Therefore, backing Montpellier to continue their upward curve at 10/11 (Betfair) has plenty of logic behind it when out-of-sorts Clermont Foot come calling.
With all things considered, the 11/10 available with William Hill for Montpellier to score two or more goals here also looks like an attractive betting proposition.
The visitors have conceded a minimum of two goals in four of their last six league games and I see no reason to oppose a repeat here given Montpellier's recent revival.
Recommended Bets
- Montpellier to Win – 10/11 (Betfair)
- Over 1.5 Montpellier Goals – 11/10 (William Hill)
Freelance Sports Writer and Betting Analyst with over five years experience. I’ve written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. With a strong passion for the fascinating world of Scottish football, I also regularly feature in Nutmeg, the much-loved Scottish football magazine. Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. Feel free to follow me on X @SlipsTips
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