Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th

[Aidymac]

[TABLE=class: couponTable, width: 617] [TR] [TH=class: firstColumn]Friday 4 October 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]AJ Auxerre v Stade Lavallois (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.8[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.45[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]5.25[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]103.59 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Chamois Niortais v AS Nancy (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.37[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.15[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]103.26 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Clermont Foot v Istres (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.86[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]5[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]102.90 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]FC Metz v LB Châteauroux (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.66[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.6[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]6[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]104.44 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Le Havre AC v Dijon FCO (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.1[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.8[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]103.35 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Nîmes Olympique v SM Caen (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.2[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.5[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.45[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]100.64 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Tours v Stade Brestois 29 (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.1[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.15[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.1[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]103.76 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Troyes AC v CA Bastia (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.53[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.2[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]8[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.53 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR] [TH] [/TH] [TH=class: firstColumn]Saturday 5 October 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]Créteil v Angers SCO (13:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.85[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.1[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.85[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]102.43 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR] [TH] [/TH] [TH=class: firstColumn]Monday 7 October 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]AC Arles-Avignon v RC Lens (19:30 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.4[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.5[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]99.65 %[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th Auxerre – Laval Auxerre still have important defender Wily Boly ruled out here, left back Ramos isn’t included in the squad either, I’m not sure why. Karim Djellabi isn’t a bad back up have for this position though and he will start there. In attack, Julien Viale is still out but he isn’t a major loss. Frederic Sammaritano misses this match because of a family bereavement but he’s not that important either. Laval have defender Ben Djemia suspended and fullback Guillaume Rippert is injured. In midfield, Amara Baby is also crocked and this is a blow because he’s been in decent form recently. Upfront, Julien Toudic is injured too but he’s only 3rd or 4th choice striker right now. Auxerre are in a slightly tough spot here. They are expected to win this match easily and fans are presuming a comfortable success. AJA should get the business done, but its worth remembering that they’ve only won 2 matches so far this season, and those were only against CA Bastia and Chateauroux. Laval come here with nothing to lose and have actually been in half decent form recently. Lets be honest though, Laval aren’t a good team and they usually have massive problems on the road. If someone like Georges Ntep gets going for Auxerre he could rip them apart. I think the hosts will win, but the bookies look like they have their prices set fair here. Overall I prefer to refrain from betting, I just don’t like the feeling of this game. Prediction: Auxerre 1-0 Laval Recommended bet: None Clermont – Istres The hosts have caught a couple of tough breaks by the news that both Emmanuel Imorou and Yoann Betch are ruled out through injury. Imorou can at least be replaced on the left hand side of defence, but they are more lightweight in midfield without Betch who has become an important player. Better news for Clermont is the return of key striker Mana Dembele, whilst full back Anthony Lippini has made a quick return from the knock which forced him out of the previous game. Istres aren’t without problems either though – specifically in midfield and attack. They welcome back Ibrahima Ba in the middle of the park, but key man Tardieu is suspended. Upfront, Matheus Alves is banned as well whilst the duo of Dabo and Diarra are fresh injuries. At least Alexis Allart does return though, but he’s not played for nearly 6 weeks. This is another very similar situation to the Auxerre – Laval match. The home side should win, but might perhaps be uncomfortable by having such a strong favoritism tag. Clermont are heavily odds-on here which isn’t really a situation I like them being in. They haven’t won a game for a while, although have drawn their last 5 consecutive matches. Istres meanwhile, head into this game on the back of 2 straight defeats but they’ve shown this season that they have some fight within their squad. Twice already they’ve come from 0-2 down to earn a point on the road and this demonstrates plenty of resolve. I think the bookies have this match priced up fairly correctly and I see no value on the hosts. I do believe Clermont will get the 3 points but this is a situation where I’ll refrain from betting again. Prediction: Clermont 2-1 Istres Recommended bet: None Le Havre – Dijon HAC are hit hard by the news that their best defender Zargo Toure is suspended for this match. Bear in mind their other important man at the back Jonathan Rivierez remains on the sidelines injured too. In midfield, Romain Saiss returns following a 3 match ban though which is a boost, and key playmaker Walid Mesloub is back from injury, although might only be fit enough to start from the bench. Upfront, Yoann Riviere is still injured which means Mickael Le Bihan will likely start again, even though he’s not a natural striker. Dijon have striker Julio Tavares injured, but he’s been banged up all season and I don’t think his loss will be felt all that much. Winger Berenguer is another on the sidelines who’s loss will be felt more. There’s no place in the squad for the midfield duo of Baradji or Marie, both are left out by choice of the coach. Both teams started the season pretty slowly and struggled to get going. However, recent form has been much improved, especially Dijon who have won their last 3 straight games. At the start of the season I ranked both sides as a predicted top 6 power team and it looked like those calculations would be way off, but perhaps I’ll be proved right after all. This is yet another occasion tonight where the bookies seem pretty clued up and have set their lines pretty fair. Perhaps there is some slight value on Dijon, but I don’t really want to back them away against a team like Le Havre. I think both teams are really evenly matched and a draw is the most likely outcome. Dijon are perhaps heading into the contest in slight better form, but it doesn’t mean they’ll win. Overall I prefer to avoid betting on this match, so it’s another I’ll swerve. Prediction: Le Havre 1-1 Dijon Recommended bet: None Metz – Chateauroux It has to be noted that Metz miss a couple of key players for this match. At the back, Sylvain Marchal is injured and they’llreally feel his absence. He marshals the troops so well and they were a different team after he had to come off injured on Monday night against Lens. Romain Inez will take his place, but he’s a big downgrade. Metz might have a further issue in defence because right back Metanire is doubtful because of a knock. Les Grenats also have a problem upfront because their stud attacker Diafra Sakho is suspended. Seriously, this guy is an absolute beast and one of the best strikers in Ligue 2, he’s really impressed me this season. Chateauroux meanwhile, should have the luxury of selecting the exact same team that beat Niort 3-0 last week. They have injuries, no no fresh ones and this is about a settled as they’ve been all year. Metz are favourites here deservingly, but how will they cope without possibly their best 2 players? They should still have too much for Chateauroux but Les Grenats will just be happy to pick up 3 points in whatever way possible. The visitors are renowned poor travellers, and poor is probably actually an understatement. But nevertheless, they did manage to draw at Arles a couple of weeks ago and will even head into this match with some confidence after their excellent success facing Niort. A number of factors were in their favour there though and it was on their own artificial surface. Under normal circumstances I would definitely back Metz -0.75 here and be confident they win easily, but without Sakho upfront they might be a different side. Factor in the absence of Marchal too, along with possibly Metanire and suddenly the core of this side isn’t there. I think Metz will win, but they are just too short to be backed. This is yet another match which I prefer to avoid and I’ll refrain from betting. Prediction: Metz 1-0 Chateauroux Recommended bet: None Nimes – Caen Nimes only really have one injury of note, and thats to right back Jeremy Cordoval. Key playmaker Vincent Gragnic was doubtful with a problem but he’s in the squad and expected to start. The big news for Caen is that they welcome back their injured attacking duo of Mathieu Duhamel and Mathias Autret. The former is a very selfish player but one of the best strikers in Ligue 2 and a great goalscorer. Autret meanwhile, has been very creative for them this season and Caen certainly missed him. The one piece of bad news for the visitors is that midfielder Jerome Rothen is out, but apart from his absence they’ll be at full strength. It’s usually very difficult for any team to travel to Nimes and Les Crocos often relish being an underdog in this sort of situation. But they are in a tough spot at the moment and not playing particularly well. They don’t seem to be a very ‘united’ team, and rely on individuals to get them results. Goalkeeper, Cyrille Merville was named as their player of the month for September which says it all. Caen showed a good clinical touch against Le Havre last week and this is usually the time of year when they are pretty strong. I think they will find a way to win, especially with Duhamel and Autret back in the side. But I’m not going to back them. I know better than to take on Nimes at home in a game like this. They are capable of producing performances against big teams, especially when there is less pressure on them to get a result. Prediction: Nimes 1-2 Caen Recommended bet: None

[Teodore]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th meatman as always - nice, thanks. But do you recommended anythink for today ? IMO maybe Clermont HW look the best?

[gogoto]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th How about Bastia. It’s home sweet home (2-1-0) on Corsica after 2 difficult away matches. Alas without Drissa Diakite, Fethi Harek, Sebastien Squillaci and Yannick Cahuzac. Lorient is better home on their articifial pitch. 0 goals and 0 points in 4 away matches. Without 7 players. Among these Koné, Diallo, Barthelmé and Traoré but attacker Jeremie Aliadiere is back after 1,5 month – probably not in topform. Scored 15 in the league last season. SORRY - WRONG THREAD!

[Simeon Borisof]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th

meatman as always - nice' date=' thanks. But do you recommended anythink for today ? IMO maybe Clermont HW look the best?

I think it's quite obvious-stay away from League 2

[senk]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th

How about Bastia. It’s home sweet home (2-1-0) on Corsica after 2 difficult away matches. Alas without Drissa Diakite, Fethi Harek, Sebastien Squillaci and Yannick Cahuzac. Lorient is better home on their articifial pitch. 0 goals and 0 points in 4 away matches. Without 7 players. Among these Koné, Diallo, Barthelmé and Traoré but attacker Jeremie Aliadiere is back after 1,5 month – probably not in topform. Scored 15 in the league last season.

Squallici returns tonight so he will play! Good boost for their defence.

[wongseefu]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th

meatman as always - nice' date=' thanks. But do you recommended anythink for today ? IMO maybe Clermont HW look the best?

I rather keep my money than betting to lose. Think Meatman's advice is spot on.

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th Niort – Nancy Niort do have some squad issues prior to this game. Most of their problems are at the back where firstly no1 GK Paul Delecroix is suspended. Rodolphe Roche isn’t a bad deputy in all fairness, but they have no sub keeper on the bench so if anything happens to him then they could be in trouble. Bigger concerns are on the defensive line. Key man, Pallois is suspended, whilst Frederic Bong remains injured. It seems like Eric Chelle will be forced back into the lineup sooner than expected. Chelle has been battling injuries for a few weeks and ideally they wanted to keep him out longer. He’ll partner midfielder Kouakou who is going to have to stay out of his natural position in defence. Right back Tristan Lahaye is still out for Niort too, just to compound their misery. Upfront, young star Kevin Rocheteau is injured, although Jerome Lafourcade returns. Nancy themselves have a couple of fresh concerns. Left back Vincent Muratori is ruled out and I’m not sure who will replace him in that spot. In midfield, youngster Remi Walter is another casualty. Niort are usually very solid team but I think their recent defensive problems could continue. They got away with playing makeshift defenders for a while, but Chateauroux badly exposed them last week. Kouakou looked awful in that game, which is understandable because he’s a midfielder by trade. For once, Niort are going to have to rely on their attack force to save them because I just don’t see them keeping a clean sheet. This is a tough place for any away side to get a result but if Nancy can expose their opponents then they have a chance. This is unusual but I’m going to back over 2 goals here. I think the line is simply too low and bookies aren’t factoring in the defensive absences both sides have. Somewhat surprisingly, 7 out of 9 of Niort’s games have actually contained at least 2 goals in them this season, which bodes well for this bet that a push would hopefully the worst case scenario outcome. It’s amazing that I’m backing the overs in a Niort match, but I just see this game being more open than it normally would be. For those who want to gamble more and take a riskier bet, over 2.5 goals is priced @ 2.55, which is a really juicy price Prediction: Niort 2-2 Nancy Recommended bet: Over 2 goals @ 1.92 4/10 Tours – Brest Tours have had great luck with injuries this season and once again their squad is in prime condition. They still miss Billy Ketkeophomphone but he’s the only absentee. Left winger Kevin Diaz returns from suspension. Brest have a few injuries, the most notable are to CB Martial who once again takes a trip to the treatment table, and winger Lesoimier and Ayite. The latter two will be really missed for their creativity, although at least playmaker Bruno Grougi is fit for this contest after being doubtful. Tours have only won 1 of their last 4 games, but they have to be ranked as one of the best teams in Ligue 2 right now. Olivier Pantaloni has got them playing some great football and there is a lot of momentum within the side. The likes of Kouakou and Delort are really great upfront, whilst they have a solid foundation at the back. Brest are there for the taking right now and have generally struggled to adapt to life in Ligue 2 following relegation. They’ve won just 1 of their last 6, and that was against lowly CA Bastia. Recent defeats to Laval and Creteil are very worrying and they just seem in a really tough spot at the moment. This match is the feature one of the night in Ligue 2 so Tours will want to play up for the cameras. They did that well against Lens a week or so ago and I’m going to back them to prevail again. Prediction: Tours 2-0 Brest Recommended bet: Tours -0.5 @ 2.04 5/10 Troyes – CA Bastia As usual, Troyes have tons of injuries but only two new ones of note. Neither are really that important, youngster Jimmy Cabot misses out along with the more experienced Marcos Dos Santos. The latter does add something to the team, but they shouldn’t miss him much for a game like this. For the visitors, defender Anthony Sallis is suspended whilst duo at the back Romey and Ben Derme remain out too. Midfielder Christophe Vincent is the only other absentee. I’m gonna be brutally honest here, this is a complete mismatch. CA Bastia are out of their depth at this level, certainly away from home. They just don’t have enough quality and I expect them to struggle tonight. They have yet to really get blown out by anyone this season, but this is the match when it could seriously happen. Troyes are one of the better sides in the division, play nice attacking football and will create tons of chances against them. I’m not going to add much here except I will back Troyes -1.25. It’s always dangerous backing any team -1.25 in France but I really think it will be serious one way traffic. Prediction: Troyes 4-0 CA Bastia Recommended bet: Troyes -1.25 @ 1.93 5/10

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th Niort – Nancy Niort do have some squad issues prior to this game. Most of their problems are at the back where firstly no1 GK Paul Delecroix is suspended. Rodolphe Roche isn’t a bad deputy in all fairness, but they have no sub keeper on the bench so if anything happens to him then they could be in trouble. Bigger concerns are on the defensive line. Key man, Pallois is suspended, whilst Frederic Bong remains injured. It seems like Eric Chelle will be forced back into the lineup sooner than expected. Chelle has been battling injuries for a few weeks and ideally they wanted to keep him out longer. He’ll partner midfielder Kouakou who is going to have to stay out of his natural position in defence. Right back Tristan Lahaye is still out for Niort too, just to compound their misery. Upfront, young star Kevin Rocheteau is injured, although Jerome Lafourcade returns. Nancy themselves have a couple of fresh concerns. Left back Vincent Muratori is ruled out and I’m not sure who will replace him in that spot. In midfield, youngster Remi Walter is another casualty. Niort are usually very solid team but I think their recent defensive problems could continue. They got away with playing makeshift defenders for a while, but Chateauroux badly exposed them last week. Kouakou looked awful in that game, which is understandable because he’s a midfielder by trade. For once, Niort are going to have to rely on their attack force to save them because I just don’t see them keeping a clean sheet. This is a tough place for any away side to get a result but if Nancy can expose their opponents then they have a chance. This is unusual but I’m going to back over 2 goals here. I think the line is simply too low and bookies aren’t factoring in the defensive absences both sides have. Somewhat surprisingly, 7 out of 9 of Niort’s games have actually contained at least 2 goals in them this season, which bodes well for this bet that a push would hopefully the worst case scenario outcome. It’s amazing that I’m backing the overs in a Niort match, but I just see this game being more open than it normally would be. For those who want to gamble more and take a riskier bet, over 2.5 goals is priced @ 2.55, which is a really juicy price Prediction: Niort 2-2 Nancy Recommended bet: Over 2 goals @ 1.92 4/10 Tours – Brest Tours have had great luck with injuries this season and once again their squad is in prime condition. They still miss Billy Ketkeophomphone but he’s the only absentee. Left winger Kevin Diaz returns from suspension. Brest have a few injuries, the most notable are to CB Martial who once again takes a trip to the treatment table, and winger Lesoimier and Ayite. The latter two will be really missed for their creativity, although at least playmaker Bruno Grougi is fit for this contest after being doubtful. Tours have only won 1 of their last 4 games, but they have to be ranked as one of the best teams in Ligue 2 right now. Olivier Pantaloni has got them playing some great football and there is a lot of momentum within the side. The likes of Kouakou and Delort are really great upfront, whilst they have a solid foundation at the back. Brest are there for the taking right now and have generally struggled to adapt to life in Ligue 2 following relegation. They’ve won just 1 of their last 6, and that was against lowly CA Bastia. Recent defeats to Laval and Creteil are very worrying and they just seem in a really tough spot at the moment. This match is the feature one of the night in Ligue 2 so Tours will want to play up for the cameras. They did that well against Lens a week or so ago and I’m going to back them to prevail again. Prediction: Tours 2-0 Brest Recommended bet: Tours -0.5 @ 2.04 5/10 Troyes – CA Bastia As usual, Troyes have tons of injuries but only two new ones of note. Neither are really that important, youngster Jimmy Cabot misses out along with the more experienced Marcos Dos Santos. The latter does add something to the team, but they shouldn’t miss him much for a game like this. For the visitors, defender Anthony Sallis is suspended whilst duo at the back Romey and Ben Derme remain out too. Midfielder Christophe Vincent is the only other absentee. I’m gonna be brutally honest here, this is a complete mismatch. CA Bastia are out of their depth at this level, certainly away from home. They just don’t have enough quality and I expect them to struggle tonight. They have yet to really get blown out by anyone this season, but this is the match when it could seriously happen. Troyes are one of the better sides in the division, play nice attacking football and will create tons of chances against them. I’m not going to add much here except I will back Troyes -1.25. It’s always dangerous backing any team -1.25 in France but I really think it will be serious one way traffic. Prediction: Troyes 4-0 CA Bastia Recommended bet: Troyes -1.25 @ 1.93 5/10

[Dzontra85]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th "meatman" 6 of 7 if you look of final score. Well done mate I am allways enjoying reading your picks. Keep at like this:clap

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th

"meatman" 6 of 7 if you look of final score. Well done mate I am allways enjoying reading your picks. Keep at like this:clap

Cheers mate. Really frustrating I hit 7/8 (including the ligue 1 match) I'd have loved a full house. One of these Friday nights I will go 100% Can't really argue at the 1 loser I had though, Brest were well worthy of a point and defended very well. Tours were below par tonight.

[winnerwinner]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th

Cheers mate. Really frustrating I hit 7/8 (including the ligue 1 match) I'd have loved a full house. One of these Friday nights I will go 100% Can't really argue at the 1 loser I had though, Brest were well worthy of a point and defended very well. Tours were below par tonight.

Very well done mate. 7/8 is insanely good :nana

[wongseefu]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th nice advice from meatman

[UnitedForever]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th meatman, I want to thank you!!! Went for Bastia to win, Troyes -1, Niort v Nancy - over 2,5 goals and Crawley win or draw... £7 - returns £149 Over 2,5 goals on Niort v Nancy was over after half an hour...and Troyes -1 ... I am follow you for a long time now... Hats off to you !!! Respect !!!

[UnitedForever]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th Thank you meatman and I just hope you continue with your good work and your experience... :clap

[Northwestpunter]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th Well done once again Meatman. I'm an ex-football odds-compiler (I didn't specialise on French Football!), and I know many current and former football compilers whose knowledge of the Leagues on which they compile is outstanding ..........I've been following you're posts for the last few years and I would have to say that you're knowledge of the French Leagues is as good as anyone I've ever come across. Well done again!!

[Masturbinho]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th Great work, Meatman!

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th

Well done once again Meatman. I'm an ex-football odds-compiler (I didn't specialise on French Football!), and I know many current and former football compilers whose knowledge of the Leagues on which they compile is outstanding ..........I've been following you're posts for the last few years and I would have to say that you're knowledge of the French Leagues is as good as anyone I've ever come across. Well done again!!

cheers fella. Yeh I've been at it for a few years now with highs and lows. Can't beat experience sometimes though and thats what I have now. I feel I'm currently in a really good phase regarding French analysis

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th Creteil – Angers The hosts have named an unchanged squad for this contest and will likely keep the same XI that beat Brest 2-1 away from home last week. Creteil haven’t suffered from many injuries or suspensions this season and have been able to retain a remarkable amount of consistency within their squad. The main question here is whether or not the coach will employ a 4 or 5 man defensive line. Angers meanwhile, are more difficult to fathom out. They only have one ‘official’ injury and thats to star playmaker Alharbi El Jadeyaoui, but he hasn’t actually played much football for them this season so shouldn’t be missed. What is surprising is that they’ve left out left winger Ludovic Gamboa and right back/midfielder Vincent Manceau. Neither of those players have done much wrong this season and Gamboa especially has played pretty well. The other strange thing is that stud centre back Fabian Boyer continues to be left out. Whether or not he has an issue with the coach or a physical problem I’m not sure, but quite why they aren’t using their best defender at the moment baffles me. Creteil are an intriguing team. They started the season really well but then seemed to falter, going on a tough run without a win. The out of the blue they suddenly bounced back last week by playing really well in the 2nd half against Brest on the road, managing to pick up a 2-1 victory. It seemed they regained their ‘mojo’ in that 45 mins and its quite possible they could pick up where they left off here in this match. A lot of course will depend on what tactics the coach uses. He has been known to operate a solid or attacking 4-3-3 and has even employed 5 at the back in some matches. Angers of course, will come trying to play their nice technical style of football and counter attack. They are a very dangerous team in the final 3rd of the field with some nice playmakers who can’t be underestimated. Initially I was going to swerve this game but now I’ve decided to bet on it. I don’t like how Angers have left out certain players from their squad, something just isn’t right there IMO and it worries me. They seem mentally fragile at the moment too and of course it must be remembered that in their last away game they blew a 3-0 lead with just 20 mins left! Prior to that they lost 4-1 at lowly Laval so their road form is hardly anything special. The 2pm (local) kick off time in France is also renowned for favouring home teams. Players don’t like having to turn out at this time of day and away sides have a more stressful time having to cope. A total of 18 matchers have been played in Ligue 1 & 2 at 2pm this season, and only 3 times have away sides managed to obtain wins in them. One was when Lens played 9 man Laval, another when Nancy beat CA Bastia (which doesn’t really count as CAB are so bad) and then OM luckily beat Lorient last weekend. Away sides just tend to really struggle in these matches as if they are still half asleep. Creteil 0AH is my call for 4 units. If they can make the most of factors in their favour, 3 points are there for the taking. Prediction: Creteil 2-1 Angers Recommended bet: Creteil 0AH @ 1.91 4/10 Nimes – Caen NOTE – this match started last night but was called off after 30 mins because of a massive storm and unplayable pitch conditions. There is a pitch inspection at 11am Saturday, and the match is expected to start at 14:00 (local). It will begin again from the 1st minute, both teams have to start the exact same XI that they did last night. Below is the analysis I wrote yesterday, which still applies. Nimes only really have one injury of note, and thats to right back Jeremy Cordoval. Key playmaker Vincent Gragnic was doubtful with a problem but he’s in the squad and expected to start. The big news for Caen is that they welcome back their injured attacking duo of Mathieu Duhamel and Mathias Autret. The former is a very selfish player but one of the best strikers in Ligue 2 and a great goalscorer. Autret meanwhile, has been very creative for them this season and Caen certainly missed him. The one piece of bad news for the visitors is that midfielder Jerome Rothen is out, but apart from his absence they’ll be at full strength. It’s usually very difficult for any team to travel to Nimes and Les Crocos often relish being an underdog in this sort of situation. But they are in a tough spot at the moment and not playing particularly well. They don’t seem to be a very ‘united’ team, and rely on individuals to get them results. Goalkeeper, Cyrille Merville was named as their player of the month for September which says it all. Caen showed a good clinical touch against Le Havre last week and this is usually the time of year when they are pretty strong. I think they will find a way to win, especially with Duhamel and Autret back in the side. But I’m not going to back them. I know better than to take on Nimes at home in a game like this. They are capable of producing performances against big teams, especially when there is less pressure on them to get a result. The interesting thing here is that for the 30 mins that got played last night before it got postponed, Nimes were extremely good. Fans called it the ‘best half hour they have produced all season’ Clearly, a shock was maybe on the cards but maybe Caen were affected by the weather. If they are a good team they will adjust themselves to play better today. Nimes have perhaps lost the surprise factor too, but because of this awkward situation they must have an advantage because of being at home surely? I have only seen one bookie price up this match but more probably will. It’s still a no bet situation for me and I will stick with Caen 2-1 CS, but I’m not sure here anything could happen. Prediction: Nimes 1-2 Caen Recommended bet: None

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 4th - 7th Draw in Creteil, so no damage done with a push