Montpellier HSC vs Saint-Etienne Prediction: Montpellier HSC and Saint-Etienne are expected to draw 1-1 in their upcoming friendly match, with both teams likely to score as they fine-tune their tactics for the new season.
As the summer heat intensifies, so does the anticipation for the upcoming Ligue 1 season. Montpellier HSC and Saint-Etienne are set to face off in a pre-season friendly that promises more than just a casual warm-up match. This encounter, scheduled for July 31, 2024, at 5 pm local time, will be a litmus test for both sides as they fine-tune their strategies for the challenges ahead.
Match Preview
This friendly encounter holds significant weight for both teams. Montpellier, having finished 12th in the previous Ligue 1 season, is eager to climb higher up the table. Their pre-season form has been a mixed bag, with a draw against Girona and a loss to Southampton highlighting areas that need improvement.
Saint-Etienne, on the other hand, is riding high on the momentum of their promotion. The team has shown resilience and determination, evident in their recent victory over Villarreal. This match against Montpellier will be a crucial test of their readiness for top-flight football.
Montpellier HSC vs Saint-Etienne Lineups and Team News
Predicted Montpellier Lineup (4-3-3): Nordin, Omeragic, Savanier, Mamilo, Adams, Sacko, Maamma, Lecomte, Mbiayi, Khazri, Ferri.
Predicted Saint-Etienne Lineup (4-3-3): Briancon, Appiah, Davitashvili, Gauthier, Macon, Boakye, Larsonneur, Abdelhamid, Old, Wadji, Mouton.
Injured Players and Unavailable List
Montpellier HSC:
Khalil Fayad – Potential injury (went off after 30 minutes against Girona)
No other reported injuries or unavailable players
Saint-Etienne:
No reported injuries or unavailable players as of now
Key Players to Watch
For Montpellier, all eyes will be on Wahbi Khazri. The Tunisian forward has been in scintillating form during pre-season, netting three goals already. His experience and goal-scoring prowess will be vital for La Paillade’s ambitions.
Saint-Etienne’s Zuriko Davitashvili is emerging as a potential game-changer. The Georgian midfielder’s brace against Villarreal has put him in the spotlight, and he’ll be keen to maintain that form against Montpellier.
Where to Watch Live?
While official broadcasting details are yet to be confirmed, fans can expect updates on the clubs’ official websites and social media channels. Local sports networks in France are likely to cover the match.
Form Guide and Head-to-Head
Montpellier’s recent form: D-L Saint-Etienne’s recent form: D-W
Historically, matches between these two sides have been closely contested. Their last competitive meeting in Ligue 1 saw Saint-Etienne emerge victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. However, much has changed since then, with Saint-Etienne’s relegation and subsequent promotion adding a new dimension to this rivalry.
Who Will Win and Correct Score Prediction
Given the pre-season context and the teams’ current trajectories, this match is poised to be a tight affair. Montpellier’s home advantage could be countered by Saint-Etienne’s hunger to prove themselves at the top level again.
Montpellier HSC vs Saint-Etienne Prediction: Montpellier 1-1 Saint-Etienne
This prediction aligns with the expectation of a closely contested match, with both teams finding the net but ultimately canceling each other out as they continue to fine-tune their tactics for the upcoming season.
As the new Ligue 1 season approaches, this friendly between Montpellier and Saint-Etienne serves as more than just a warm-up. It’s a chance for both teams to gauge their progress, test new strategies, and for players to stake their claim for starting positions. Football enthusiasts should keep a close eye on this match, as it could offer valuable insights into what we can expect from these two sides in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign.
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