France - Ligue 2 (16-19 Aug 13)

[meatman]

[TABLE=class: couponTable, width: 617] [TR] [TH=class: firstColumn]Friday 16 August 2013[/TH] [TH]Home[/TH] [TH]Draw[/TH] [TH]Away[/TH] [TH=class: bppWidth]BPP[/TH] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Chamois Niortais v Le Havre AC (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.66[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.1[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.2[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.10 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Clermont Foot v Stade Lavallois (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.93[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.9[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.63 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Dijon FCO v Angers SCO (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.4[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.55[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]100.14 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]FC Metz v AC Arles-Avignon (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.11[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.25[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.2[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.97 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Istres v CA Bastia (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.5[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.3[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.83 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]LB Châteauroux v Tours (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.25[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.25[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.8[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.53 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Nîmes Olympique v Troyes AC (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.45[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.2[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.48 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]SM Caen v Créteil (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.64[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]7[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]100.26 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR] [TH] [/TH] [TH=class: firstColumn]Saturday 17 August 2013[/TH] [TH]Home[/TH] [TH]Draw[/TH] [TH]Away[/TH] [TH=class: bppWidth]BPP[/TH] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]RC Lens v AJ Auxerre (13:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.03[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.4[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.40 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR] [TH] [/TH] [TH=class: firstColumn]Monday 19 August 2013[/TH] [TH]Home[/TH] [TH]Draw[/TH] [TH]Away[/TH] [TH=class: bppWidth]BPP[/TH] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]AS Nancy v Stade Brestois 29 (19:30 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.33[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]102.49 [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[meatman]

Re: France - Ligue 2 (16-19 Aug 13) Caen – Creteil Caen coach Patrice Garande has opted for consistency again and named the exact same starting XI that they’ve used in the previous couple of Ligue 2 games this season. I’m still not fully convinced by it, especially with Nicolas Seube at left back, but its gained them 2 wins out of 2 so far. They will have a strong bench containing Nabab and Fayr, both of whom should be starters in my opinion. Creteil’s squad remains unchanged except for the addition of new right back Jordan Ikoko who is on loan from PSG. I wouldn’t expect him to start here though. Neither side has any new injuries to worry about. Many people will presume that this is a banker Caen win. On the face of things, this is a game between an expected promotion contender against a side who should theoretically be in the relegation mixer. But Creteil have shown they’re no pushovers and they especially possess a big threat in attack. I haven’t personally been impressed with Caen’s defending so far this season, so Creteil could take advantage of it. The hosts will rely on their own attack to get them the points again. Fortunately, Creteil’s weak point is defence, although their positive tactics don’t help their backline. I can’t back Caen here because I don’t think Creteil can be underestimated, they also have momentum. I will however have a small punt on over 2.5 because I really think this’ll be an open game. Prediction: Caen 2-2 Creteil Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.14 3/10 Chateauroux – Tours Backup GK Kevin Millieras is injured for Chateauroux. They also leave out probably their best midfielder Ludovic Guerreiro who’ll play for the reserves instead. He hasn’t started a ligue game for them yet this season and there are rumours that he’s fallen out with the coach. Another midfielder, Amara Baby was sent on loan to Laval, but he hadn’t featured in any squads this year, so won’t be a loss as such. Tours have Bryan Bergougnoux ruled out with injury and he’s a massive loss because he’s their best player. Striker, Kevin Delort who played very well last week is a doubt because of a hamstring problem, but will probably start. It’s also touch and go if their best midfielder Berenguer will be fit enough or not. Its a shame neither of these teams are playing some better opponents this week because I’d love to bet against both of them!. I don’t like the way Chateauroux are playing this year. There are rumours of some problems within the squad and fans aren’t happy either, especially with how negatively they played last weekend at Angers. Coach, Didier Tholot has plenty of problems to deal with and is already under some pressure. If Tours were at full strength then I’d probably back them here, but their key missings could be crucial. They are also a team which is in transition and everyone is still getting to know each other following a lot of changes. The final factor is home advantage. Chateauroux might be a poor side, but they have a massive factor in their favour here which is their artificial pitch. They know how to play on it, whilst Tours won’t be as used to the synthetic. This is a tough game to predict, but I think a low scoring draw is perhaps the most likely outcome. Its not a match I fancy betting on. Prediction: Chateauroux 1-1 Laval Recommended bet: None Clermont – Laval The big news for Clermont is that they’ll miss attacking midfielder Pierrick Capelle for 6 months with an ACL injury. His loss will be a blow because they are going to have to change their 4-3-3 system which has been very productive so far this season. Eugene Ekobo is going to have to keep playing in central defence because Jacques Salze is injured again. Ekobo would’ve been an option at DMID, but if the coach wants to keep a 4-3-3 then he’ll have to start the inexperienced Kevin Diogo. Instead I think he’ll opt for an aggressive 4-4-2 system. Laval meanwhile, have no new injuries or suspensions to deal with and they will either operate in a 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 depending what the coach prefers. If football matches only lasted 85 mins then Laval would be unbeaten so far this season and have 2 points to their name. The problem is that games last 94 mins most weeks and Les Tangos have conceded late goals. They haven’t actually played all that badly so far this year but there’’s something about them which makes them ‘losers’. Clermont meanwhile, have started the season like a house on fire and played really well. But the injury to Capelle will hit them hard and how will they cope here being such strong favourites? I think Clermont will get the 3 points but the bookies have this match priced up correctly in my opinion. There’s just no value in them @ 1.90, so I’ll leave this game alone. Prediction: Clermont 1-0 Laval Recommended bet: None Dijon - Angers DFCO will miss midfielder Johan Gastien for 6 weeks due to a dislocated shoulder. Its a shame because he’s looked good for them so far following his transfer from Niort. Striker, Koro Kone is injured for this match too, but Julio Tavares is now fit enough to start and is an upgrade for them in this position. The problem I have with Dijon is starting Pap Paye at right back, they should push him into DMID but I doubt It’ll happen. Their best midfielder Baradji is now fit enough to make the squad, but I don’t think he’ll start. Angers do welcome back right winger Charles Diers from injury, but they still have 7 guys on the sideline, many of whom are important. Their best player El Jadeyaoui is included in the squad, but I don’t think he’ll start because he’s simply not in shape following recent transfer rumours/trials. To me, Dijon look underrated by the bookies here. They haven’t had the greatest of starts to the season but they proved last week against Lens that they have the ability to mix it with the big guns when they play decently. Dijon have a really good attack force who WILL ALWAYS create a lot of chances. The problem is at the back where a couple of players, most notably Diallo are pretty ****. Angers have been lucky to have faced 2 poor teams at the start of this season who haven’t been able to take advantage of their bad injury situation. There’s no way this Angers defence is going to be able to stand up to Dijon in this match, although ANgers themselves are capable of scoring. This is going to be an open and exciting game and I’m backing Dijon to outscore their opponents. On a -0.25 line there looks to be good value, I also like the over 2.25 goals price so will have a nibble of that too. Prediction: Dijon 3-1 Angers Recommended bets: Dijon -0.25 @ 2.02 6/10, Over 2.25 goals @ 1.99 4/10 Niort – Le Havre Key left back Quentin Bernard is injured for Niort which means Nicolas Pallois is going to have to play there and this’ll slightly upset the defence. They have no other new injuries, although the attacking duo of Lafourcade and Glombard remain sidelined. Le Havre still miss important midfielder Jean Pascal Fontaine to injury, whilst winger Mahrez is a new concern and also misses out here. But in general their squad looks in good condition and I expect Monaco loanee Tristan Dinghome to start after impressing last week. Maxime Le Marchand returns from suspension and should start too. Le Havre haven’t started the season well in Ligue 2 and suffered back to back defeats facing mediocre opponents. This is of course totally unacceptable and its imperative the Normans start picking up points soon. I still believe in this team though and I think they’ll be in the top 6 come the end of the season. There’s simply too much talent on their roster to keep doing badly. The one high point for them this season came in the cup when they won 3-2 at this ground. Niort is never an easy place to travel to, so HAC should have a mental edge heading into this match knowing that they’ve won here recently. Niort are just an average team, nothing special although can be hard to beat here. They shouldn’t be favourites by such a clear margin and I think bookies have this wrong. I’m going to back the visitors to take at least a point and I like them on this +0.25 line. Prediction: Niort 0-1 Le Havre Recommended bet: Le Havre +0.25 @ 1.88 4/10 Nimes – Troyes Les Crocos welcome back key defender Benoit Poulain from injury who trained normally all week. This is a massive upgrade for Nimes at the back, the coach now just has to decide who will start alongside him – Bosche or Sartre. Left winger Anthony Koura is still injured which means Ogunbiyi is likely to play in that position tonight. It would normally be Mathieu Robail, but he’s been so poor this season that the coach will be forced to keep him on the bench. Midfielder Komlan Amewou is left out of the squad by coach’s choice, Zvunka prefers the younger Hsissane as a bench option. Troyes have signed a new GK, Denis Petric from Istres for about £500k but he’s only expected to be benched tonight. ESTAC still miss 4 defenders including Jarjat and Nsakala. New signing N’Diaye is now ready to make his debut though. Important midfielder Thiago Xavier is injured again, whilst the attacking duo of Marcos and Jean are both ruled out too. In total, Troyes miss 8 players for whatever reason and the squad isn’t in the best of condition right now. I do have some concerns about Nimes, but I think they have the edge tonight.Troyes just haven’t clicked yet so far this season and look in fairly poor shape even despite the fact they they’re still unbeaten. They have a number of absences and won’t be operating at their full capacity. Le Stade de Costieres is never an easy place for any visiting side to travel to, although in a similar way Nimes have yet to fully click this year yet either. The return of key centre back Poulain is a big boost though and they should be more solid with him in the team. Even if they lack a proper striker, I still think there are ways in which Nimes can hit the back of the net here. I’m going to back them to win and take the -0.25 line. This does at least offer some insurance in case of a draw. Prediction: Nimes 2-1 Troyes Recommended bet: Nimes -0.25 @ 2.04 4/10 Metz – Arles Arles have a couple of players injured in attack – Ben Saada and Dale. Its no surprise to see Ben Saada on the sidelines, he’s a decent talent but can never seem to stay healthy. Bilel Omrani is suspended, but on the positive side Teji Savanier returns from his injury and is expected to start. Arles are at full strength in defence and midfield. Metz meanwhile, will have to start no2 keeper M’Fa here because Johann Carrasso is injured. This is a downgrade on the team, although Carrasso did play poorly last week at Creteil. Metz have no other new injury concerns and in general have a squad in pretty good condition. I’d expect them to be positive at home and line up in a 4-4-2 formation. I don’t think this is going to be a very exciting game and one goal might be enough to win it. Arles will come here looking for a draw and they could be quite hard to break down. But if they fall behind like they did against Troyes last week will they have a plan B? I’m not so sure and this is isn’t an easy place for any visiting side to travel to. Metz should be well supported here and they have plenty of attacking potential on paper. I’m close to backing Arles on a +0.5 handicap but something tells me to swerve them. I’m not convinced they can win here so I’d basically be playing for the draw which is a risky business. Also, this will be Arles 3rd consecutive away match. They have travelled to CA Bastia (cup), Troyes and now Metz in the last 10 days which isn’t an ideal situation. My prediction is a low scoring draw, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see Metz sneak it 1-0 or something like that. It’s not a match I’m going to bet on. Prediction: Metz 0-0 Arles Recommended bet: None Istres – CA Bastia Istres have signed keeper Arnaud Balijon who should immediately start for them in between the sticks. Backup keeper Lejeune had a shocker on Monday night and Balijon will be a big upgrade on him, even though he’s only been at the club for a few days. Apart from this, Istres remain unchanged and I expect them to name a similar XI to the one which lost at Brest. Centre back Doumbia and striker Niangbo still remain injured, but those are the only important absences. CA Bastia name a very similar squad compared to last week. They have no new injuries and their only notable players who miss out are centre back Ben Derme and midfielder Oswald. I think CA Bastia will probably line up in a 5-3-2 here and try to make themselves hard to break down. Istres have certainly attacked well in all of their games so far this season and its clear to see they have a lot of potential upfront this season. They’ve had some big problems in defence though and looked very vulnerable at the back. At least they should have a reliable keeper for this game, unlike on Monday night when Lejeune was terrible. CA Bastia have lost all their matches this season too and look a little bit out of their depth so far. They are also renowned for being terrible on the road so there’;s no doubt that Istres have the edge here. My only worry surrounding the home team is that they’re coming off a slightly short week here, considering they played on Monday night. But all in all I think they’ll have too much attacking firepower for CA Basatia to handle. I’m happy enough to take them at this price on a -0.5 line, they deserve to be a decent odds on shot. Prediction: Istres 3-1 CA Bastia Recommended bet: Istres -0.5 @ 2.0 4/10

[meatman]

Re: France - Ligue 2 (16-19 Aug 13) Nancy – Brest Nancy have Romain Grange suspended for this contest but are likely to keep the same XI which beat CA Bastia. The midfield duo of Karaboue and Mangani are still injured, neither has played any game time for the Lorraine outfit yet this season. Yohan Mollo is still remarkably at the club! I’d expect him to leave before the end of the transfer window, but for now he stays and this could be a good chance to put himself in the shop window, live on TV. Nancy should operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation again and they’ll probably play patient possession football. Brest still have Bernard Mendy injured, whilst centre back Martial isn’t included in the squad. He might still be injured but it’s rumoured he’s out of favour and could leave the club soon. New signing Simon Falette, on loan from Lorient is included in the squad, but I don’t think he’ll start. Brest have no absentees in midfield or attack and they are at complete full strength in this department. Striker, Jonathan Ayite has been in good form this year, scoring 3 goals in 3 games. He’s finally showing what he’s capable of doing now that he’s injury free for once! Brest’s biggest problem has been in defence so far this season. They have conceded 8 goals in their 3 competitive matches and were fortunate that Istres only scored once against them last Monday. They just don’t look very stable at the back which will be a massive concern for coach Alex Dupont. I’m pretty sure he’ll have had them working on defence in training this week to try and improve. Dupont also has the option to start Simon Falette here, he’s probably an upgrade on Ismael Traore who’s looked poor this season. But Yohan Mollo could kill the likes of Makonda and Coulibaly out wide, it just depends what sort of mood he’s in. Nancy have looked a solid, if not spectacular side so far this year. Home advantage could be important in this game and overall I do give ASNL a slight edge. But they are more of a possession team and not a side who will will break, which might actually suit Brest. I think this is going to be a tight game and not as exciting as some people might expect. My prediction is Nancy to win, but there is absolutely no value on them @ 1.95. They shouldn’t be an odds on shot because they are only a slightly better team than Brest. I’m going to refrain from betting and just watch this contest. Nancy probable XI (4-2-3-1): Gregorini – Cuffaut, Sami, Bellugou, Muratori – Ayasse, Walter – Moukandjo, Cuvillier, Mollo – Jeannot Brest probable XI (4-2-3-1): Thebeaux – Coulibaly, Lejeune, Traore (or Falette), Makonda – Ramare, Perez – Pandor, Grougi, Lesoimier – Ayite Prediction: Nancy 1-0 Brest Recommended bet: None