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.
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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

Montpellier
France Ligue 1 19/05/24

Lens

Montpellier
France Ligue 1 08/12/23

Montpellier

Lens
France Ligue 1 25/02/23

Montpellier

Lens
France Ligue 1 15/10/22

Lens

Montpellier
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
4

Montpellier
1
France Ligue 1 04/05/25
L

Brest
1

Montpellier
0
France Ligue 1 27/04/25
D

Reims
0

Montpellier
0
France Ligue 1 19/04/25
L

Marseille
5

Montpellier
1
France Ligue 1 13/04/25
L

Angers
2

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
1

Lens
1
France Ligue 1 04/05/25
W

Lyon
1

Lens
2
France Ligue 1 27/04/25
L

Auxerre
4

Lens
0
France Ligue 1 20/04/25
W

Brest
1

Lens
3
France Ligue 1 11/04/25
L

Reims
2

Lens
0
Player to watch: M'Bala Nzola

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.