Football Bet of the Day: In-form hosts offer value in Ligue 1

Montpellier v Guingamp
Saturday December 12, 19:00

It's a dramatic time for turkeys at the moment, and last night we had a dramatic time in Turkey. Adanaspor grabbed a last-gasp winner to win 2-1 at Alanyaspor, and that secured a winner for us. Better late than never.

To France now, the land of Voltaire, Camus, and the greatest ever exponent of the circular keyboard art, Jean-Michel Jarre. We're dropping in on Montpellier's clash with Guingamp, two teams who have fallen on hard times after stunning success.

Olivier Giroud was Arsenal's hat-trick hero this week, and it's easy to forget that he spearheaded Montpellier's extraordinary Ligue 1 title triumph in 2012. Giroud was top scorer with 21 goals as Montpellier finished three points clear of PSG, something that feels unthinkable just three years later.

Guingamp also upset the odds, as they won only the second Coupe de France in their history in 2014. That achievement is all the more remarkable when you consider that Guingamp were only promoted to the top flight in 2013.

These days, both teams are finding Ligue 1 a bit of a struggle. Montpellier are 16th in the 20-team division, with Guingamp a place below them on goal difference. Although there's not much to choose between the sides in the standings, there is a marked difference between the two sides in terms of momentum.

Montpellier have won three of their last five matches, and last week they twice fought back from a goal down to draw 2-2 at Marseille. The impressive Rodrigue Ninga scored both goals, and he also bagged a brace in an eye-catching 4-2 win at Lyon. Ninga is working well in tandem with Algerian livewire Ryad Boudebouz. Montpellier have now lost just two of their last ten Ligue 1 games, and after an awful start to the campaign, they have won four of their last five home matches.

While Montpellier are on the charge, Guingamp are running out of steam. They have lost their last three league games, and have won just one of their last 11 matches. It's worth noting their poor away record - EAG have lost six of their nine road matches. Influential forward Jimmy Briand is unlikely to be fit, and there is a clutch of other players that coach Jocelyn Gourvennec can't call upon.

Montpellier are the team in form, they have fewer injury problems than their opponents, and they have won their last three games against Guingamp. Let's back the hosts.

Recommended Bet

Back Montpellier to win at 2.111/10