Montpellier vs Nice Prediction & Betting Tips (7 February)

Once again forced to take a place in the 2nd part of the table this year, Montpellier could take advantage of this Coupe de France to offer itself a little spice this season. Indeed, the Paillade club does not panic the scorers in the championship and it is only in 13th position in Ligue 1, with only 3 points ahead of the play-off player. Still looking for their first victory in 2024, Michel Der Zakarian's men were dominated in Brest 2-0 before sharing the points with Lille 0-0. On Saturday, they were beaten again, this time at Rennes 2-1. On the other hand, in the Cup, the Héraultais did not tremble to defeat Amiens 1-2 and Feignies Aulnoye 0-4 during the two previous rounds.

On the other side of the median, OGC Nice is still well established at the top of the table and he could well land a place in the Champions League in the spring if he manages to maintain his pace. Unfortunately for them, the Aiglons are encountering more difficulties recently, particularly away from home, where they suffered 3 defeats in a row in the league, notably against Rennes 2-0, before finally stopping the bleeding in Brest on last weekend 0-0. In the meantime, they were still able to painfully defeat Metz 1-0 10 days ago. To reach these 1/8 finals, the Niçois had to go through penalties to defeat Angers then they went on to win against Bordeaux 2-3.

On the Paillade side, the internationals Bertaud, Sylla, Kouyaté and Sacko are all still competing in the CAN with their respective selections while El Tamari (3 goals) is in Qatar to play the Asian Cup with Jordan. On the other hand, Cameroonian Tchato is once again present in the group. Michel Der Zakarian risks once again being deprived of Akor Adams (7 goals in Ligue 1) and winger Nordin who missed the trip to Rennes on Saturday. Captain and playmaker Savanier (4 goals, 4 assists) is very present, he who scored the only goal for his team in the last match. During the winter transfer window, Tunisian right-back Hefti (Genoa) and young midfielder Coulibaly (Stuttgart) were both welcomed into the Montpellier squad while senior defender Estève left for England. Nice should make the trip to the 'Hérault without the middle Beka Beka. In addition, the Ivorian Boga (3 goals, 2 assists) and the scorer Moffi (6 goals, 2 assists in L1) are still involved in the CAN with their selection.

Returned from selection, right-back Atal could remain sidelined while midfielder Diop is still out of shape. Former La Paillade Laborde (3 goals in L1) and winter recruit Mohamed-Ali Cho (ex-Real Sociedad, Angers) could be lined up from the start this week in the same way as center forward Guessand. Some winter movements were made during the transfer window. Goalkeeper number 2 Sirigu joined Fatih Karagümrük, replaced in the goalkeeper hierarchy by Maxime Dupé (Anderlecht). Former Dijon player Valentin Rosier has also arrived but not sure if he is fit to be part of the group.