Ligue 1
Montpellier
Saint EtienneMontpellier vs Saint-Etienne is shaping up to be a crucial clash in Ligue 1, with both teams desperately fighting to escape automatic relegation. Montpellier, currently rock-bottom in the league, will host Saint-Etienne, who sit just one place above them. With survival hopes on the line, this fixture promises tension, drama, and a battle of determination.
Kick-off is scheduled for Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 4:15 PM (UK), 12:15 PM (ET), and 9:15 AM (PT). While the match won’t be televised in the UK, Ligue 1 Pass offers streaming access, and in the US, it will be available on beIN Sports.
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Montpellier Team News: Key Absences in Midfield and Defense
Montpellier faces a significant blow as experienced midfielder Jordan Ferri is ruled out due to suspension. Adding to their troubles, several key defenders, including Christophe Jullien, Nikola Maksimovic, and Becir Omeragic, remain unavailable due to injuries.
Predicted Montpellier Lineup (3-5-1-1)
Goalkeeper: Lecomte
Defenders: Mouanga, Kouyate, Sagnan
Midfielders: Sacko, Coulibaly, Nzingoula, Chotard, Sainte-Luce
Attacking Midfielder: Savanier
Striker: Delort
Unavailable Players:
- Jullien (Injured)
- Maksimovic (Injured)
- Omeragic (Injured)
- Ferri (Suspended)
Questionable Players:
- Sylla (Injured)
- Gueguin (Injured)
- Issoufou (Injured)
With their defense already fragile, Montpellier will rely heavily on captain Téji Savanier to inspire creativity and spark some much-needed attacking momentum.
Saint-Etienne Team News: No Fresh Concerns
Saint-Etienne, on the other hand, heads into the match with a relatively stable squad. New Zealand international Ben Old is nearing full fitness after a long ACL injury layoff, but his return is still uncertain. Other than that, Eirik Horneland’s side has no new injury setbacks.
Predicted Saint-Etienne Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Larsonneur
Defenders: Macon, Bernauer, Nade, Petrot
Midfielders: Moueffek, Ekwah
Attacking Midfielders: Cardona, Bouchouari, Davitashvili
Striker: Stassin
Unavailable Players: None
Questionable Players:
- Ben Old (Injured)
- Wadji (Injured)
Saint-Etienne has struggled for form, enduring a nine-match winless run, but they will see this game as an opportunity to capitalize on Montpellier’s poor state.
Montpellier vs Saint-Etienne: Match Prediction
Both teams have changed managers this season in an attempt to turn their fortunes around. Montpellier replaced Michel Der Zakarian with Jean-Louis Gasset, a club legend, but results haven’t improved significantly. Meanwhile, Saint-Etienne sacked Olivier Dall’Oglio and appointed Eirik Horneland, but they remain without a win in their last nine games.
Given the stakes, expect a cagey, low-quality encounter where both sides are more concerned with avoiding defeat than taking risks. Montpellier’s home advantage might offer a slight edge, but with their defensive woes, they could struggle to keep Saint-Etienne out.
Prediction: Montpellier 1-1 Saint-Etienne
- Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals ✅
- Alternative Bet: Draw ✅
Both sides will likely cancel each other out, keeping the relegation battle tight as the season progresses.
FAQs
Will Montpellier vs Saint-Etienne be televised?
No, the match won’t be televised in the UK, but it will be available on beIN Sports in the US and Ligue 1 Pass for online streaming.
Why is Jordan Ferri not playing for Montpellier?
Jordan Ferri is suspended for this match due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Who is Montpellier’s key player against Saint-Etienne?
Téji Savanier will be crucial in midfield, providing creativity and leadership in this must-win encounter.
Has Saint-Etienne won a game recently?
No, Saint-Etienne is currently on a nine-match winless run in Ligue 1.
What is the recent form of Montpellier?
Montpellier has struggled all season and sits at the bottom of Ligue 1, desperate for a turnaround.
Which team has a better chance of survival?
Both sides are in deep trouble, but Saint-Etienne is slightly better positioned with a small points advantage over Montpellier.
