Championnat: Nancy vs Montpellier

Nancy is getting better recently after three consecutive defeats, which had the effect of invading fans at training camp, the players shaken and awaken. Following on the success against Lyon, Nancy took the draw away to Nice with the score of 1-1. Top striker Nikulae scored after a long period of bad performances, they create some good opportunities to score, and generally had a good presence. At least, now they got back to a positive season, but they must be more stable in order to secure from relegation. They know well that they have to face a very difficult task tonight, as their coach admitted that Montpellier is a team he admires, and they have the ability to build an offensive team, while claiming titles. It is the first time this season that Nancy is free from injuries and will field the best possible eleven. Squad: Ndy Assembe, Gregorini – Sami, Loties, Lemaitre, Sall, Puygrenier, André Luiz (cap) – Haïdara, Mangani, S.Sané, Karaboué, Ba.Traoré – Jo-Gook, Moukandjo, Mollo, Bakar, Niculae.

Montpellier spurt in the second half against Caen and thrashed them with the score of 3-0 at home. The score flatters them, because the opponent had a shot to the crossbar in the first half, while the last two goals made from 83′ and onwards. Olivier Giroud scored the third one with a penalty, his 17th goal of the season, writing history, being the top scorer in a season in the club’s history. The pitch of Nancy stadium is synthetic but Montpellier is an athletic team that has learned to use it. They have technical players and it is easy to adapt. The only absent will be midfielder Geoffrey Dernis, and Montpellier will play with Giroud in front, and Karim Ait-Fana with John Utaka behind him. Squad: Pionnier, Bocaly, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Bedimo, Marveaux, Utaka, Belhanda, Lacombe, Estrada, Pitau, Tinhan, Jourdren, Giroud, Aït-Fana, Camara, Cabella, El Kaoutari, Stambouli, Saïhi, Deplagne, Jeunechamp.

I do not think that Nancy’s good performances will continue for more fixtures. To most of their games they played pathetic, with so many mistakes in defense. They may seems awaken at the moment, but Montpellier will not give up to the title race against PSG, and with this attacking trio they can take all three points tonight.

Bet: Montpellier -0.25 Asian Handicap @2.00 with Bet365