The preview: Montpellier-Paris

FOCUS ON THE LEAGUE TABLE 

After being held to a draw by a solid Stade de Reims team at the Parc des Princes last time out (2-2), Paris Saint-Germain still lead the league. As they head to the Stade de la Mosson, Les Parisiens are on a streak of 20 matches unbeaten in Ligue 1 (14 wins, 6 draws). This form currently places Les Rouge et Bleu at the top of Ligue 1 with 56 points, 10 more than their closest pursuer, Stade Brestois 29.

On the other hand, Montpellier HSC come into the match on the back of a fine victory last weekend at OGC Nice (1-2). Before that, Les Héraultais easily beat FC Metz (3-0), before suffering a heavy defeat in Marseille (4-1) and drawing against RC Strasbourg Alsace (2-2). Currently sitting in 13th in the table with 26 points, Montpellier only have a 3-point lead over the first relegation spot and will aim to beat Les Parisiens to allow them to breathe a little more easily with a second consecutive victory.

FORM IN NUMBERS

On Sunday evening, Paris will attempt to extend their unbeaten run to 24 consecutive matches across all competitions. In the top-flight, Les Rouge et Bleu have shown particular prowess away from home, as they haven't lost on the road in 19 league matches, marking the longest current run in the top five European leagues and most notably, the best streak in the club's history. The club from the capital will look to secure their 10th consecutive victory against MHSC in Ligue 1, having scored at least 2 goals in each of the last 12 encounters between the two clubs.

Montpellier, on the other hand, will aim to secure their second consecutive victory when they face Paris in Ligue 1, which would be a first for them since April 2023, nearly a year ago. However, when they can't string together wins, Montpellier are a team adept at avoiding defeat, as they have drawn 8 out of their 13 home matches this season in Ligue 1, marking the second-highest total of drawn matches at home in the top five European leagues this campaign. Finally, it's worth noting that Paris and Montpellier are the two teams with the most shots and goals following a counter-attack in the league this season (39 shots and 6 goals for the club from the capital and 36 shots and 5 goals for Les Héraultais).

THE OPPOSITION

Michel Der Zakarian and his team mainly deploy two tactical systems: a 5-3-2 and a 4-3-3. In goal, they have one of MHSC's leaders in Benjamin Lecomte. The former Atlético Madrid and AS Monaco goalkeeper boasts a save percentage of 72.4% in Ligue 1 this season. In front of him, Malian international Kiki Kouyaté stands out as a key figure in defence, alongside the promising Swiss international Becir Omeragic. With the return of Modibo Sagnan to the squad, the Montpellier coach might be tempted to field a three-man central defence, while Christopher Jullien also remains another option in that position.

At right back or right wing-back, Silvan Hefti is missing due to a thigh injury. Therefore, it's the young Cameroonian international Enzo Tchato (21 years old) who is expected to start the match against Les Parisiens. On the opposite side of the pitch, the inclusion of the highly experienced Issiaga Sylla, who has already amassed over 250 Ligue 1 matches, is beyond doubt. In midfield, Montpellier will have to cope without Joris Chotard, who is nursing a calf injury. To accompany the indispensable Jordan Ferri, we could see Léo Leroy, as he seems to have an edge over Khalil Fayad (19 years old). In a slightly more advanced position, iconic captain Téji Savanier (6 goals and 6 assists in all competitions this season) is expected to complete the Montpellier midfield.

In attack, Arnaud Nordin (5 goals, 1 assist) is expected to start the match. The versatile forward, who came through the ranks at AS Saint-Etienne, could be accompanied by MHSC's top scorer, Akor Adams (9 goals, 1 assist), while Mousa Tamari (4 goals, 3 assists) is ill and may not be fit to face Les Rouge et Bleu. Although they seem less likely, other offensive alternatives remain at the disposal of the Montpellier staff: Wahbi Khazri (1 goal, 1 assist), for example, started in the last match. Arriving during the winter transfer window, Yann Karamoh and Tanguy Coulibaly could also make an appearance on the pitch at the Mosson on Sunday.