Montpellier vs Lens predictions
Photo by IMAGO
🔥 Our Hot tip

Lens to score first

Lens registered the first goal in five of their last six clashes with Montpellier

Lens will make the trip to Stade de la Mosson for their Ligue 1 encounter with Montpellier on Friday, 31 January 2025. View our free Montpellier vs Lens predictions below.

Montpellier vs Lens predictions: Visitors to draw first blood

Key stats

  • While Montpellier have conceded first in nine consecutive matches, Lens opened the scoring in six of their last eight games.
  • Lens drew first blood in five of their last six meetings with Montpellier.
  • Montpellier have no wins in the last six encounters between these outfits.
  • Four of Lens’ last six matches featured goals at both ends.

Correct score prediction: Montpellier 1-2 Lens

To be fair, Montpellier have won back-to-back games for the first time since April last year. However, Lens have fared better, having won four of their last seven Ligue 1 matches (D1, L2). Keeping in mind that Lens are unbeaten in the last six clashes between these sides, we are leaning towards the visitors for the win.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookmakers favour Lens

  • HOME: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
  • DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27%
  • AWAY: 5/6 (1.83) – 54.5%

*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change

Montpellier's fortunes have improved in recent weeks, as they have won as many games in their last two matches as they did in their first 17 (two wins). Jean-Louis Gasset's troops are 17th in the 18-team Ligue 1 after earning 15 points from 19 league matches.

On the other hand, seventh-placed Lens have been one of the best travellers in the French top flight. They have lost only once in nine matches away from home this season (W4, D4).

With that in mind, Lens are the expected winners at 5/6 (1.83). Teams with these odds generally have a 54.5% probability of winning.

Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Montpellier vs Lens predictions.

It is also worth mentioning that both teams were on the scoresheet in Montpellier's last three matches, and in four of Lens' last six games. For this reason, BTTS – Yes has an appealing look at 8/13 (1.62). That one has a 61.9% chance of landing.

Most recent H2Hs: Lens’ dominance set to continue?

Montpellier suffered a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture. They are without a win in the last six skirmishes between these teams (D3, L3).

France Ligue 1 08/12/24

Lens

Lens

2
Montpellier

Montpellier

0

France Ligue 1 19/05/24

Lens

Lens

2
Montpellier

Montpellier

2

France Ligue 1 08/12/23

Montpellier

Montpellier

0
Lens

Lens

0

France Ligue 1 25/02/23

Montpellier

Montpellier

1
Lens

Lens

1

France Ligue 1 15/10/22

Lens

Lens

1
Montpellier

Montpellier

0

Montpellier preview: Eyeing three consecutive wins for the first time since March 2023

Recently injured Issiaga Sylla will join Christopher Jullien, Nikola Maksimovic, Glenn Ngosso and Lucas Davin on the sidelines for Montpellier on Friday night.

Predicted lineup: Lecomte (GK), Luce, Sagnan, Kouyate, Mbiayi, Fayad, Omeragic, Chotard, Savanier, Al-Taamari & Maamma.

France Ligue 1 10/05/25

L

PSG

PSG

4

Montpellier

Montpellier

1

France Ligue 1 04/05/25

L

Brest

Brest

1

Montpellier

Montpellier

0

France Ligue 1 27/04/25

D

Reims

Reims

0

Montpellier

Montpellier

0

France Ligue 1 19/04/25

L

Marseille

Marseille

5

Montpellier

Montpellier

1

France Ligue 1 13/04/25

L

Angers

Angers

2

Montpellier

Montpellier

0

Lens preview: A fair few absentees

Florian Sotoca is expected to be unavailable for this game due to injury, as are Remy Lascary, Martin Satriano, Jhoanner Chavez, and Denis Petric.

Predicted lineup: Ryan (GK), Frankowski, Gradit, Sarr, Medina, Fulgini, Machado, Thomasson, Aynaoui, Zaroury & Nzola.

France Ligue 1 10/05/25

D

Toulouse

Toulouse

1

Lens

Lens

1

France Ligue 1 04/05/25

W

Lyon

Lyon

1

Lens

Lens

2

France Ligue 1 27/04/25

L

Auxerre

Auxerre

4

Lens

Lens

0

France Ligue 1 20/04/25

W

Brest

Brest

1

Lens

Lens

3

France Ligue 1 11/04/25

L

Reims

Reims

2

Lens

Lens

0

Player to watch: M'Bala Nzola

M'Bala Nzola player to watch
Photo by IMAGO

M'Bala Nzola set up the first goal in Lens' 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture. The Angolan forward has been the team's top scorer in the French top flight with five goals in 14 appearances. He will fancy his chances against Montpellier once again.

france ligue 1 prediction

Kelechi is a huge sports fan with over 10 years of betting experience. He has written for a few publications like What Are The Odds, Mighty Tips and Betting Detectives