MONTPELLIER

It was a decent first part of the season for Montpellier, who managed to exploit at maximum the talent of midfielders Sanson and Boudebouz. They are by far the most important players in the squad, with 10 goals and 9 assists in total.

They also work together very well and complete one another. The rumors linking Boudebouz with a transfer to Lazio have intensified lately, and Montpellier will be really lucky to hold on to him. Anyway, Boudebouz is injured and will miss this round. This should be an opportunity for Montpellier to try a new system that doesn’t involve Boudebouz.

Sanson suffered an injury last week in the Cup game away at Lyon (Lyon won 5-0), but there is nothing serious and he is ready for action.

Hosts will also miss important defender Congre and midfielder Sylla. Forward Ninga is a long term injury.

DIJON

With a bit more focus, Dijon could have easily won more points in the first part of the season.

Dijon is an average side, but it’s more than enough to easily avoid relegation. In the first part of the season they focused mostly on building down the flanks, where they have skilled and fast wingers. Things may change now, as important central midfielders Balmont and Martin (both of them arrived in the summer from Lille) recovered from injury and should constantly be in the lineup from now on.

Forward Tavares struggled with injuries in the first part of the season and failed to achieve full potential. But that doesn’t change the fact that both forwards (Tavares and Diony) have really impressive qualities, and can single-handedly change the outcome of a game.

The defensive strength will be diminished, since guests will miss defender Chafik and midfielder Abeid, both of them at African Cup of Nations. Defender Bouka Moutou will also sit out through injury.

BETTING

Lately Montpellier have been a real force on home ground, and Marseille, PSG or Bordeaux are only a few of their victims. They will certainly try to start this game in force, and there are pretty good chances the encounter will be very open, in-spite Boudebouz’ absence. OVER 2.5 GOALS at 1.90

Montpellier: Pionnier, Jourdren – Hilton, Saint-Ruf, Rémy, Deplagne, Poaty, Roussillon – Marveaux, Lasne, Sanson, Skhiri, Sessegnon – Camara, Mounié, Llovet

Dijon: Leroy, Reynet – Abdelhamid, Lang, Loties, Rüfli, Varrault – Amalfitano, Balmont, Martin, Gastien, Marié, Lees-Melou, Sammaritano, Bela – Diony, Rivière, Tavares