Since Montpellier’s latest ascent to the top level of the French game, they’ve managed to chisel a reputation of having a well organised defensive unit and an attacking corps that has flair and efficiency when required. None of these attributes were on show when they went down 4-0 against Olympique de Marseille last weekend, and coach Rene Girard will demand better with the visit of Olympique Lyonnais.
La Paillade actually started the fixture at the Stade Velodrome fairly well, but once Lucho Gonzalez had been afforded time to smash home the opening goal it quickly went downhill, with Benoit Cheyrou’s deflected strike moments later rather summing up the efforts of MHSC on an evening that nothing seemed to break for them.
Girard was acceptant of that defeat, stressing that he feels OM are the dominant team in France at present and aware that the loss was, what he hopes, a one-off. The former France Under-21 coach, who is well suited to his present role coaching a club with a great deal of fresh-faced talent, will not be quite so forgiving if his side slump again, particularly at home.
Montpellier may have won six of 16 home matches against Lyon in Ligue 1 in the past, but their recent record makes for relatively grim reading. Only once since 1997 have the Stade de la Mosson club overcome les Gones on home soil, and in each of the last two meetings they’ve gone down to defeats without so much as scoring. A more streetwise approach is necessary.
Continue To Progress
Lyon may have made what was considered by many fans to be a disastrous start to their Ligue 1 campaign, yet last weekend they had the chance to move top of the standings when they met Paris Saint-Germain. Claude Puel’s team couldn’t earn a victory, despite going 1-0 up, and indeed a point was very welcome by full-time.
Aly Cissokho turned from goal scoring hero to villain when he fouled Nene in the box. The left-back was dismissed and Guillaume Hoarau confidently placed the ball past Hugo Lloris to compliment the Brazilian’s earlier equaliser and put PSG 2-1 up. Had it not been for a horrible goalkeeping error that allowed Bafetimbi Gomis to score, OL would most likely have lost.
“It's good to have been able to equalise despite the numerical disadvantage, which shows character, but we had chances to double our lead,” Claude Puel explained.
“I believe we have delivered in a big game. There were good performances from both sides, including the fast counterattacks from our opponents.
“We must continue to get points and progress, beating the top teams when we face them. It would have been nice to win this match.”
Montpellier may not be perceived to be one of the top teams in France by the wider public, but Puel will appreciate just what a test the weekend’s match is likely to be.
TEAM NEWS
Montpellier
Marco Estrada will miss out for the second successive week, but Montpellier haven’t disclosed the nature of the South America’s problem. Cyril Jeunechamp is the only other casualty.
Lyon
There is good news for Lyon in that both Yoann Gourcuff and Cris should return to action. On the other hand, Aly Cissokho and Pape Diakhate are both suspended.
Ederson, Clement Grenier and Cesar Delgado are all still injured.
Prediction
Montpellier will be hungry to bounce back after last weekend’s reverse and certainly have the ability to pick up a point at home against a Lyon side who have never served to convince this season. If Rene Girard can get the mentality of his team correct, they should be good enough to preserve their strong home record.
Montpellier HSC 1-1 O. Lyon 
