Montpellier vs Nice tips and predictions: League leaders to pinch another tight victory

The opening match of Ligue 1's 12th round will be played on Friday at the Stade de la Mosson, with Montpellier taking on Nice.

Nice are the surprise package in France this season, topping the table after 11 games and still yet to taste defeat.

On the other hand, Montpellier have failed to win seven of 10 currently and need to improve if they don’t want to be dragged into a relegation dogfight.

So far this season, Michel Der Zakarian’s side has only lost once at home. Even though they are in poor form, they’ve been a tough nut to crack, scoring 15 and conceding 14.

Suggested bet: Under 2.5 goals

Lille, Lorient and PSG are the only teams to breach Nice’s defence this season. They haven’t conceded a goal in 543 minutes of football.

Their previous three away games have resulted in 1-0 wins with the game's only goal coming late in the day on two occasions. 

Montpellier’s positive goal difference is explained by the fact they blow hot and cold. Their three wins were by scorelines of 4-1, 3-0 and 3-0.

They’ve also recorded 3-0, 3-1 and 2-1 losses while one side has failed to score in each of their last five, a run which includes a 0-0 draw.

Suggested bet: Both teams to score: No

Nice’s 34-year-old manager Francesco Farioli is doing an incredible job and completely revolutionised the team’s playing style.

Nice has the best defence in the league, with only 4 goals conceded after 11 rounds, a remarkable performance for the team that finished 9th last season.

Le Gym are the only team from Europe’s top five leagues that is still undefeated. They are leaders with 25 points, one point in front of the defending champions PSG. 

Suggested bet: Nice to win