The crucial Round 20 clash in Ligue 1 sees Montpellier host RC Lens at Stade de la Mosson, with the hosts struggling in 17th place and fighting to escape the relegation zone, while Lens currently sit seventh and look to keep their European qualification push on track. Montpellier managed a much-needed 2-1 win against Toulouse last time out, but Lens also grabbed three points with a 1-0 victory over Angers. Coupled with key injuries and new signings, this would make for one intriguing tactical affair.
Claim Your Welcome BonusMontpellier
Position: 17th | Record: 4W-3D-12L | Last 5: LLLWW
Montpellier finally put a stop to the three-loss streak with the win over Toulouse 2-1 and through Modibo Sagnan, and Othmane Maamma, after Jean-Louis Gasset's men went behind for a ninth successive game showed some character in a comeback, the victory was at a bit of cost too, as in left-back Issiaga Sylla picked an injury.
Defensive worries persist, meanwhile, as the club has announced Serbian centre-back Nikola Maksimovic since Matchday 16, will miss the rest of the season due to a torn hamstring. Conceding 31 times already this term, Montpellier's backline still looks fragile. They have struggled to impose themselves at home, too, managing just two wins in their last five at Stade de la Mosson.
Key Stats & Trends:
Defense Leaks Goals: Conceded 31 goals this season.
Slow Starters: Conceded first in their last nine matches.
Card Discipline: Under 4.5 cards in six of their last seven games.
Over 2.5 Goals Trend: Five of their last six matches have gone over 2.5 goals.
RC Lens
Position: 7th | Record: 8W-6D-5L | Last 5: DLWLW
Lens responded to a blow of a goalless draw with Nice by managing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Angers through a strike from Przemyslaw Frankowski. Will Still's men bossed the possession with 65% and created two big chances, though an injury to Florian Sotoca casts huge doubts ahead of this fixture.
Lens have been busy in the transfer market, securing AS Roma goalkeeper Mathew Ryan as cover between the posts. They signed talented young defender Juma Bah on loan from Manchester City. On the road, Lens is good, having collected 3W-1D-1L in the last five trips, and they'll go to Montpellier confident of their chances, having not lost to their hosts in six meetings.
Key Stats & Trends:
Fast Starters: Scored first in six of their last eight matches.
Corners Trend: Under 10.5 corners in nine of their last ten games.
Card Discipline: Under 4.5 cards in six of their last eight games.
Away Strength: Won three of their last five away matches.
Head to Head
Last 10 Meetings: Montpellier 3 Wins | Lens 4 Wins | Draws 3
Recent Trends:
Lens unbeaten in the last six meetings.
Six of the last seven meetings had under 2.5 goals.
Lens scored first in five of the last six games vs. Montpellier.
Under 10.5 corners in the last seven H2H matches.
Under 4.5 cards in five of the last six meetings.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2024/2025 
Lens
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Montpellier
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Montpellier
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Lens
Ligue 1 2022/2023
Lens
Montpellier Latest Games
Montpellier 
Montpellier
Montpellier
Montpellier
PSG
Montpellier
Reims
Montpellier
Montpellier
Le Havre
Montpellier
Lens Latest Games
Lens
Lens
Lens
Strasbourg
Lens
FC Lorient
Lens
Marseille
Paris FC
Lens
Lens
Expert Betting Tips
Total Cards – Under 4.5 @ 1.80 Odds (Bet365):-
Montpellier has seen under 4.5 cards in six of their last seven matches. Lens has stayed under this mark in six of their last eight games. The last five meetings have also stayed under 4.5 total cards.
Total Corners – Under 10 @ 1.85 Odds (1xbet):-
Lens has gone under 10.5 corners in nine of their last ten matches.The last seven H2H encounters have all seen fewer than 10.5 corners.
Combo Bet – Lens Double Chance + Under 3.5 Goals @ 1.96 Odds (Betway):-
Lens is unbeaten in six straight meetings with Montpellier.Six of the last seven H2H matches have had under 2.5 goals. Montpellier has struggled to score against top-half teams.
Other predictions
