Montpellier vs PSG preview, predicted XI, team news and more | Ligue 1 2019-20
There would be Ligue 1 action on Saturday, as Montpellier host PSG at the Stade de la Mosson.
Both teams have been in impressive form of late and are just five places apart, with PSG expectedly in top spot, while their hosts currently sit sixth on the league standings.
The visitors come into the fixture on the backdrop of a routine victory, with second-half goals from star forwards Kylian Mbappe and Neymar giving them a midweek 2-0 win over Nantes at the Parc des Princes but it was a different story for Montpellier, as they could only draw 2-2 away to Dijon.
After 15 matchdays, Paris Saint-Germain are cruising to yet another league triumph and currently hold a five-point advantage atop the standings with a game in hand and they would be looking to get their 13th win of the season against Xavier Garbajosa's men.
Montpellier v PSG Head-To-Head
There have been a total of 43 matches played between the two teams in all competitions and the capital club have the slight edge, having won 16 and drawn 15 of those, scoring 68 and conceding 43 goals in the process.
Montpellier form guide: DWDWD
PSG form guide: WWWLW
Montpellier v PSG Team News
Head coach Thomas Tuchel has a relatively full squad to pick from, with only long-term absentee Thilo Kehrer (Foot), as well as midfielder Ander Herrera (Hamstring), and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Back) sidelined with injury.
Suspension: Marco Veratti is one yellow card away from suspension
Montpellier v PSG Predicted XI
PSG Predicted XI: Keylor Navas; Layvin Kurzawa, Presnel Kimpembe, Thiago Silva, Thomas Meunier; Idrissa Gueye, Marco Veratti, Marquinhos; Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel di Maria
Montpellier v PSG Prediction
PSG are fully on course for another league title but Thomas Tuchel knows that he would be judged by his performance on the continent.
With world-beaters like Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel di Maria, Edinson Cavani, and Mauro Icardi within their ranks, the defending champions simply have too much firepower for the rest of the league and they look good value to make it a three-peat in the Ligue 1.
Talisman and world-record signing Neymar has been plagued by injury concerns throughout his stay in France and has slowly been eased back into the starting lineup by his coach and his return has been impressive, with the Brazilian international having contributed five goals from seven matches thus far.
However, for all of their recent dominance, PSG have found Montpellier a tough nut to crack and in the last eight fixtures between the pair, Montpellier have managed to pick up two wins and draws each which is more than many other sides in the French League can boast of.
The hosts have also been impressive at home this season and currently boast of the third-best home record in the league.
They have won six and drawn one of the eight matches played at the Stade de la Mosson to date and as such, they would fancy their chances against a PSG side who have already lost twice on the road.
Verdict: Montpellier 1-1 PSG
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