Montpellier Faces Relegation Battle as Monaco Visits in Ligue 1 Clash

MONTPELLIER, France — Montpellier HSC, languishing at the bottom of Ligue 1, will host AS Monaco on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Stade de la Mosson in a critical match that could determine their fate in the league. The game, scheduled for 6 p.m. UK time, comes as Montpellier struggles to escape relegation, having lost 12 of their 17 league games this season.

Montpellier’s recent form has been dismal, with the team failing to secure a clean sheet in 23 consecutive games—a new club record. Their last outing ended in a 3-1 defeat to Angers, a match deemed crucial for their survival hopes. The loss was compounded by two late red cards, further denting their chances of a comeback.

Historically, Montpellier has struggled against Monaco, losing 35 of their 61 encounters. Monaco, currently third in the league, has also faced a rough patch, securing only 12 points from their last 10 games. However, they remain a formidable opponent, especially given their recent dominance over Montpellier.

Monaco’s manager, Adi Hütter, has a perfect record against Montpellier, winning all three previous meetings. Despite their recent struggles, Monaco’s squad depth and experience could prove decisive. The team is also preparing for an upcoming Champions League clash against Aston Villa, adding pressure to secure a positive result in Montpellier.

Montpellier’s lineup will be weakened by suspensions and injuries, with key players missing due to red cards and long-term injuries. Monaco, on the other hand, may rotate their squad to manage player fitness ahead of their European fixture.

With Montpellier seven points adrift of safety and facing a challenging schedule ahead, this match represents a pivotal moment in their season. A loss could further cement their position at the bottom, while a win might reignite hopes of a miraculous escape.