The result of the match in the capital between PSG and MHB will reveal the level of the Montpellier team, Sunday November 3 (4 p.m.) during the ninth day of Starligue.
It's been some time since the MHB did not exude as much serenity around him. After the big eight of October and its eight victories in as many matches, Érick Mathé's team goes to Paris with confidence at its highest.
Apart from the big victories against Aix, Chambéry, Nîmes and Silkeborg, Montpellier especially impressed with its ability to never seem to be worried by anyone. Even when he was not in great form, like Tuesday against the Poles from Zabrze (30-25).
Ultimately, the MHB only lost one match, against Nantes, when we only played the fourth day. And again, he was far from being ridiculous, perhaps afraid of being able to, finally, beat the “H”.
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“We have regained respect for others”
“Honestly, I feel good about us at the moment. It's just a feeling but maybe we've regained some respect compared to othersCaptain Valentin Porte tries to explain. I'm seeing things that I didn't see two years ago, with teams giving up on us quickly.”
The fault lies with a squad that is more complete than ever in which starters and substitutes operate in total symbiosis. “We still miss Stas Skube, who led the team for almost the entire seasontempers Érick Mathé. But yes, we double all the positions with quality and we can bring freshness to the entire game.”
Limits or progress?
Conversely, isn't PSG more “takeable” than ever, after the departure of guide Nikola Karabatic? “We’ve been saying that for two or three years, they are champions every time and Montpellier can’t beat themtance Mathé. This team does not always inspire dreams in what it does against teams of a lesser caliber. But she often responds in big posters.”
Starligue: the ranking and all the results of the ninth day
If his team were to ever do it during one of these big displays, this Sunday, it would send a hell of a message to everyone. “This match will tell us where we really arethinks Porte. If we play a bit of the same match as in Nantes, putting ourselves in difficulty and giving them the weapons to beat us, I would say that we will see what our limits are.”
The number: 13
This is a figure that alone symbolizes the downgrading of MHB in favor of PSG on the national scene for many seasons. If ever Montpellier were to win on the PSG floor this Sunday, it would put an end to 13 years of invincibility for the capital club on their home ground against them. As for Montpellier's last victory in the championship, all courts combined, the latter dates from December 17, 2022 (31-30), at the Sud de France Arena.
The groups: Montpellier in full, Paris without Marchan
For this duel at the top counting for the ninth day of Starligue, Montpellier will be able to count on all the players available, Stas Skube still treating his knee. Rested during the success against Zabrze on Tuesday (30-25), Arthur Lenne makes his back.
On the Parisian side, Prandi should be there despite a blow received at the end of the match against Sporting, where Paris won in the Champions League (30-28). Marchan is out of the group for this Sunday's match.
