On Sunday, Montpellier HSC, who sit bottom of the Ligue 1 table, will host 15th-placed Auxerre at the Stade de la Mosson in a clash between two teams currently struggling after four matches.

Match preview

Montpellier's recent seasons have seen a disappointing decline in the Ligue 1 standings, dropping from a sixth-placed finish in 2018-19 to back-to-back eighth-placed finishes from 2019 to 2021 to placing 13th once and 12th twice over the last three years.

Their start to this campaign suggests that Michel Der Zakarian's side may be headed for yet another bottom-half finish, as they currently sit at the bottom of the table after four matches.

Montpellier secured their only point of the season thanks to a 1-1 draw with Strasbourg on the opening day, but they then suffered three successive losses, conceding a staggering 12 goals while scoring just once in those games.

Der Zakarian's side will now enter this game aiming to avoid a fourth consecutive league defeat, something they have not done since a run of five straight losses in October 2022.

Auxerre will also be aiming to improve upon their shaky start to the term, currently sitting in 15th with just three points from their opening four Ligue 1 fixtures.

An inspiring comeback victory against Nice on the opening day, featuring a last-minute winner from Lasso Coulibaly after Rayan Raveloson's equaliser, seemed to signal a promising start for Auxerre.

However, Christophe Pelissier's side have since endured three consecutive losses, including significant defeats to potential relegation rivals Nantes and Le Havre.

Pelissier, who could not prevent Auxerre's relegation after joining during the 2022-23 season, will be aiming to improve on that performance and ensure the team stays in the league this year, something they have failed to accomplish since their disappointing drop in 2011-12.

Player injuries:

montpellier

6 (Central Defender) Julien

3 (Left back) Isiaga Silas

4 (Central Defender) Kouyate

17 (Left back) Saint Luce

9 (right winger) Moussa Tamari

13 (midfielder) Rhys Cotard

35 (left back) Lucas Mincarelli Davin

14 (right winger) Ultraman Mama

Auxerre

14 (Left back) Gideon Mensah

21 (right midfielder) Reise Koulibaly

(Back) Nathan Keira

possible starting lineup: