Montpellier’s Road-Heavy Schedule: A Test of Top 6 Ambitions
Montpellier’s remaining regular season schedule presents a significant challenge: more away games than home fixtures. This immediately throws the spotlight on their ability to perform consistently on the road, starting with a tough test against Clermont.
The Grueling Run-In
With eight rounds left in the regular season, Montpellier faces a demanding itinerary. Five of those matches will be played away from home, against formidable opponents including Clermont, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Castres, and Lyon. Success hinges on cultivating a strong away form to maintain a position within the top 6.
The initial stretch – consecutive away games against 4th-placed Clermont and league leaders Toulouse – will be a crucial indicator of their resilience and championship aspirations. This is a true test within the highly competitive Top 14.
Away Form: A Key Strength
Fortunately for Montpellier, they currently boast a strong record in away matches. Having secured 14 points on their travels, they rank fourth in the league for away performance, alongside Pau and Clermont (both with 14 points), and trailing only Toulouse (20 points).
The British Ranking System: A Different Perspective
The coaching staff utilizes a British ranking system to provide a more nuanced view of team performance, accounting for the imbalance in home and away fixtures. In this system, a home win yields no points, a home defeat costs four points, and an away win earns four points. Currently, Montpellier sits fifth in this ranking with 13 points, behind Toulouse (27), Pau (19), Clermont (15), and Bordeaux (14).
Manager Joan Caudullo emphasizes the importance of remaining competitive in every match, stating, “We need to be in the match, in contact at the score. We need a continuity in our performance.”
Maintaining Momentum: The Road Ahead
Montpellier’s upcoming schedule demands consistency and a determined mindset. Their ability to secure points away from home will be paramount to their success. The team’s current away form provides a solid foundation, but the challenges ahead are significant.
Did you know? Montpellier’s manager, Joan Caudullo, believes the British ranking system offers a more accurate reflection of team performance given the uneven distribution of home and away games.
FAQ
Q: What is Montpellier’s biggest challenge in the remaining regular season?
A: Their schedule features more away games than home games, requiring strong away form to secure a top 6 finish.
Q: How does Montpellier’s away form compare to other teams?
A: They currently rank fourth in the league for points earned in away matches.
Q: What is the British ranking system?
A: It’s a system used by the coaching staff to evaluate performance, factoring in the number of home and away games played.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Montpellier’s results against Toulouse and Bordeaux – these matches could be pivotal in determining their playoff chances.
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