Montpellier vs Monaco Prediction: 17/1/2025

At the midway point of the season, Montpellier finds themselves in a precarious position. Currently sitting at the bottom of Ligue 1, they are seven points behind the closest team outside the relegation zone. The team’s struggles have been evident with a league-worst defensive record of 42 goals conceded. Montpellier’s poor start to 2025 includes a narrow 1-0 defeat against Lyon and a 3-1 home loss to Angers. These setbacks follow a humiliating 4-0 loss to the fourth-division side Puy-en-Velay in the Coupe de France, and to rub salt into the wound, they face Monaco three days after they played Reims in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France.

Third-placed Monaco will be keen to bounce back and close the gap on second-placed Marseille. Results have blown hot and cold for the Principality club of late, with a goalless draw against Reims, consecutive defeats to PSG-4-2 in the league and 1-0 in the Trophée des Champions-and a disappointing 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Nantes. Despite those disappointments, Monaco remains a solid all-round outfit with both defensive solidity and attacking firepower.

This is going to be a very interesting match between the two teams, Montpellier and Monaco. In that case, Montpellier need to ensure more solidity at the back through their back four, comprising Christopher Jullien and Issiaga Sylla, to counter the ever-vibrant Monaco attack. Monaco will seek to use the managerial acumen of Adi Hütter in exposing the rear guard of Montpellier. Players like Aleksandr Golovin and George Ilenikhena can infiltrate the loose backline of Montpellier.

Recent performances by Monaco suggest a tendency for high-scoring matches, as seen in their 4-2 loss to PSG and 4-1 win against Saint-Jean. However, Montpellier’s more controlled approach could create a tactical standoff and make this clash a battle of strategy and resilience. Moments of tactical brilliance and individual skill are expected, with both teams striving for dominance.

In any case, Monaco’s excellent form and tactical game make them favorites to win 2-0 in this January 17, 2025, game. With a strong attacking pair in Golovin and Ilenikhena, and a back four composed of Thilo Kehrer and Wilfried Singo, Monaco will most probably prove stronger than Montpellier. While Montpellier may be organized and will fight hard, it won’t be enough against a team that presses high and uses tactics well. This encounter promises to reveal Monaco’s ambition and strength in its going quest in Ligue 1.

Prediction

This has also been reflected in Monaco’s away matches in Ligue 1, with both teams to score happening in just five of their last 21 on the road. Meanwhile, Montpellier often have one team fail to score as 13 of their last 18 Ligue 1 matches have ended with a shutout. With that considered, doubtless, both teams will score in this match.

Prediction: Montpellier 0-2 Monaco