Ligue 2 > October 18th - 21st

[Aidymac]

[TABLE=class: couponTable, width: 617] [TR] [TH=class: firstColumn]Friday 18 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 Créteil (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.05[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.1[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]110.45 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Angers SCO v Chamois Niortais (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.66[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]5[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]110.30 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]AS Nancy v Clermont Foot (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.1[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.4[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]110.36 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]CA Bastia v Tours (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.9[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.1[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.3[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]110.22 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Dijon FCO v Troyes AC (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.25[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.1[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]110.04 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Istres v AC Arles-Avignon (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.4[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]109.78 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]LB Châteauroux v SM Caen (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.4[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]109.78 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Stade Lavallois v Le Havre AC (19:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]110.14 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR] [TH] [/TH] [TH=class: firstColumn]Saturday 19 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]RC Lens v Nîmes Olympique (13:00 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.75[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.5[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]109.67 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR] [TH] [/TH] [TH=class: firstColumn]Monday 21 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]Stade Brestois 29 v FC Metz (19:30 BST)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.37[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.87[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]110.22 %[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 18th - 21st Angers – Niort The hosts have injuries both in defence and upfront. They still miss left back Ibrahima Diallo who has yet to play a single minute this season, the duo of Angoula and Konate are also ruled out. Their young CB stud Fabien Boyer is included in the squad and will surely start here. If Jeremy Henin is preferred over him, then clearly there are some issues behind the scenes. Midfielder Ryan Frikeche is suspended whilst wingers El Jadeyaoui and Gamboa are both injured. El Jadeyaoui is of course one of the best players in Ligue 2 when on form, but he’s hardly played this season, so in some ways can’t be classed as a big loss. Niort’s big problem before the international break was defensive injuries. Well, the good news is that they’re now at full strength apart from the absence of Frederic Bong, who probably wouldn’t have started anyway.Djiman Kouakou is now free to return back to his preferred central midfield role, which is a big boost because he was a liability at times in defence. In attack, young star for the future Kevin Rocheteau is still injured but he’s not a massive loss. The coach has decided not to include the duo of Jerome Lafourcade and Luigi Glombard, despite them being fit and ready now. They were both a big part of the offence last season, but perhaps times have changed now in Niort. This match can be classed as a derby in some ways, despite nearly 200km separating the two side. For France geographically, this is quite close though and I expect a pretty intense match. Niort should send a fair few supporters to Angers tonight and will be well supported. I personally feel the bookies have their lines spot on for this game. The hosts deserve to be favourites around the even money mark, and thats exactly where they are. But in many places they are an odds on shot, and I don’t like Angers in this position. For a match they are ‘expected’ to win, this is actually going to be a tough encounter. Niort are hard to beat and will be much stronger defensively than in recent weeks due to their returning injured players. I could definitely see this one ending as a draw. Niort are renowned draw specialists and Angers have been no stranger to an all square game in recent weeks. Neither team will want to lose either, but overall its a game I don’t want to bet on. Prediction: Angers 1-1 Niort Recommended bet: None Auxerre – Creteil The only issue for Auxerre at the back is the suspension of RB Eric Marester. This means either Marco Ramos or Karim Djellabi will fill in there, away from their natural left back slot. AJA have more worrying issues in the middle of the park though with Prince Segbefia suspended and Thomas Monconduit injured. Youngster Nicolas Gavory is another casualty in this area. The hosts are at full strength in attack though and have a range of strikers in their squad for this match. Creteil have managed to keep their squad remarkably healthy this season but for once they have multiple absences. At the back, Diedhiou is suspended, but a more important loss is key playmaker and captain Jean Michel Lesage. The old veteran has been in great form this season and a lot of the good things Creteil have produced in attack, have been through him. Auxerre have struggled to win matches this season, that’s been their general trend. AJA have only won 3 times, and all 3 of those victories were against sides currently in the bottom 4 positions. Still, they might have a chance here because Creteil are nothing special, although a solid enough midtable outfit. They have proven relatively tough to beat this year and following a bit of a slump, they improved before the international break. At the end of the day I don’t think too much will separate the two sides and both are pretty evenly matched. I have a feeling Auxerre will win, but they shouldn’t be priced up as short as they are. I have no interest in backing them as an odds on shot, they don’t deserve such a strong favourtism tag, so I’ll stay away. Prediction: Auxerre 2-1 Creteil Recommended bet: None Chateauroux – Caen The only injury problems that Chateauroux now have are fairly minor. Midfielder David De Freitas is out, but he’s not played since August anyway and hasn’t been an important part of the team this year. Les Berrichonne welcome back the attacking duo of Tainmont and Dupuis, but both might only be benched depending what the coach prefers. Caen meanwhile, do have some squad problems here which affects them in all areas. The miss the CB duo of Saad and Wague, who have played together for most of the season. Instead now, Dennis Appiah and JJ Pierre will be lining up in the middle, which is an untested pairing for Caen. In midfield, key man Laurent Agouazi is ruled out too, and upfront Jonathan Kodjia is a casualty. Jerome Rothen has left the club as well which is a massive blow because he had started the season so well for them in midfield. Caen’s starting XI here won’t be too bad, but they have virtually no bench strength. Chateauroux looked in massive trouble a few weeks ago but they’ve managed to steady the ship a bit. They picked up some decent results just before the international break and would be on a 4 game unbeaten run were it not for an unfortunate loss at Metz last time out. They are operating more as a team now and seem to have regained some of their fighting spirit. Caen are away favourites here but I don’t think they deserve to be., If they were at full strength then maybe I could justify their price, but they have so many key absences which have to be considered. This is never an easy place to come and play because of the artificial surface and despite all of their troubles only Tours have managed to come and win at Le Stade Gaston Petit so far this season. Caen are overrated anyway, what have they really done since the start of the season? The answer is not that much and they’ve struggled to pick up just 7 points from their last 7 games. I’m going to back Chateauroux +0.25 in this one. I like them as a home underdog and think they can pick up a draw at the very least. Prediction: Chateauroux 2-1 Caen Recommended bet: Chateauroux +0.25 @ 2.08 4/10 Dijon – Troyes Dijon still miss creative playmaker Florian Berenguer to injury, but otherwise seem in pretty good condition. The coach still doesn’t include midfielder Sekou Baradji who continues to be out of favour. Striker, Julio Tavares is another who isn’t really in favour much now and isn’t in the 16 man squad either. Dijon could name the exact same XI that drew with Le Havre last time out and have good squad consistency at the moment. Troyes only have one new issue to contend with and thats the suspension of CB Mohamadou Camara. This isn’t much of a problem though because Florian Jarjat (who is just as good) will take his place. This is going to be an interesting battle between two teams that I rate fairly highly. I think both are pretty evenly matched at the moment as well and neither side has an apparent edge heading into the fixture. Dijon haven’t lost in 7 games and after a slow start to the season have started to fire recently. Troyes’ best performances have all come at home this year, but its worth noting they did win their last road game 2-0 at Istres. This will be a much tougher test though and until they get a decent result away at a good team, they can’t be trusted on their travels. Still, I won’t back against them because Troyes have a squad full of quality players capable of producing the goods. I think the bookies have this match priced up exactly right and there is no value either way. With a gun to my head I’d say a draw here, but I’m not really sure and no result would surprise me. Prediction: Dijon 1-1 Troyes Recommended bet: None Laval – Le Havre Frustratingly for Laval, they have 3 suspensions here all to important players. CB Malik Couturier is banned along with the midfield duo of Alla and Goncalves. They will definitely struggle in the middle of the park without these 2 players who have been a mainstay of the team so far this season and neither of them has missed a game yet. Laval include young talent Serihou Guirassy in the squad for tonight’s game. At just 17 years old he’s considered a great prospect, and may well come off the bench at some stage. Le Havre still have right back Jonathan Rivierez injured. He’s joined on the sidelines by midfielder Tristan Dingome, although they have sufficient cover in this part of the field and shouldn’t miss him too much. Upfront, striker Yohann Riviere returns from injury, but he’s not really done much yet this season and I’d expect him to only warm the bench here. It’s such a shame Laval have 3 important suspensions here, otherwise I’d fancy them very strongly to prevail. As it happens, I still think they have a good chance of winning though. They might only have 7 points to their name but haven’t had a bad recovery following a nightmare first 5 matches in which they failed to pick up any points. They’ve won their last 2 home games, both against good opponents (Angers & Brest). Les Tangos aren’t actually that bad a side, nowhere near as bad as their statistical record might suggest anyway. Le Havre don’t deserve to be slight favourites here and have flattered to deceive all season. They’ve yet to win away from home this year and only seem to perform well against bigger teams. This is exactly the sort of fixture in which they will probably come unstuck. Laval meanwhile, usually love this type of match and relish the opportunity of being an underdog facing a well fancied team at home. I’m happy to back them on this 0AH although the suspensions do worry me a little bit. Prediction: Laval 1-0 Le Havre Recommended bet: Laval 0AH @ 2.09 4/10 Pre match analysis for the other Friday Ligue 1 & 2 matches, will be posted up later in the day.

[allin808]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 18th - 21st Hi Meatman, I follow you for years, but never tried any of your tips. I have a big respect for you. Today I will try the Chateaurox - Caen game. I like the preview very much. But dont you think is better to bet 1X on that game ? As it also looks like draw. As Chateaurox have lost just 2 games at home last season, and also those facts abound the ground. Why lose half of bet if we can win ? Just curious what you think about it and wanted to share my view on this game and help people out also. Have a nice day all.

[Punki85]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 18th - 21st Hey met, hey Atko, what about Nancy? They changed coach, plus Clermont will miss 3 defenders if that is true info? I think Nancy can take full package here, but wait to hear your opinion?

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 18th - 21st Nancy – Clermont The hosts are at full strength in defence, but will have to do without the midfield duo of Lossemy Karaboue and Remy Walter. The loss of the former is quite a blow because he’s arguably their best player, certainly in a creative sense. Upfront, Benjamin Jeannot is also ruled out which is a blow because he’s been their one striker who’s actually looked like scoring goals this season. Mind you, the visitors have even more problems here and most of their first choice defence is ruled out. They have a remarkable 3 suspensions at the back. Cedric Avinel, Anthony Lippini and Damien Da Silva are all banned, and all would’ve started this fixture. Strangely though, they might not be downgraded too much at the back. A line-up of Bockhorni- Ekobo – Salze – Imorou won’t be too bad.The main issue will be midfield where both Betch and now Ekobo (as he’ll play CB) won’t be able to feature. Someone like Kevin Diogo will have to start in the middle, which could be problematic. Of course, the main story surrounding this game is the return of Nancy legend Pablo Correa as manager. He replaces the unfortunate Patrick Gabriel who didn’t really do a bad job here. Correa will face the same problems that Gabriel had – a lack of offensive talent which is hindering them. I’m not really sure how Nancy can take advantage of this weakened Clermont defence because nobody can score for them with Karaboue and Jeannot out! However, the return of Correa has to be factored in. Suddenly the club has been given a new burst of energy and everyone will play much harder tonight and be motivated. Somehow or other I think Nancy will win – probably a defender will score and they sneak a 1-0. Correa likes to base success around defence and I’m pretty sure they’ll have a high chance of keeping a clean sheet tonight. I’d love to bet on Nancy but their odds are just too poor. I wouldn’t want to put off anyone who wants to back them, but I couldn’t justify taking them as an odds on shot here. Prediction: Nancy 1-0 Clermont Recommended bet: None CA Bastia – Tours The Corsicans welcome back the injured defensive duo of Romey and Derme, but both have been out of action for a while so might not start. In midfield, they also include new signing Selim Moizini who gives them some experience at this level, although the duo of Copenese and Oswald both miss out. In attack, JJ Mandrichi is another absentee. Tours’ are going to be without playmaker Billy Ketkeo once more who remains injured. But their biggest problem is in midfield where the holding pair of Berenguer and Cetout are both suspended. This is a blow for them because midfield isn’t an area where they have much strength in depth. CA Bastia aren’t a good side and they don’t belong at this level of French football. Their 6-1 thrashing away at Troyes before the international break rather sums up how poor they are. Nevertheless, they’ve only actually lost 1 out of 4 home fixtures so far and managed to hold teams like Angers and Dijon to draws here. Of course, it’s never easy playing away to any Corsican side, but Tours have an advantage with Olivier Pantaloni in charge because he knows how Corsican football operates more than most. They’ve had 2 weeks to prepare for this game and a good coach like Pantaloni will have a suitable gameplan prepared. Despite their midfield absences, I still think Tours will win this game. They have an attack force which has great chemistry and I think they’ll have too much pace for CAB. Odds on the visitors -0.25 are pretty generous IMO and I expect them to pick up the 3 points. Prediction: CABastia 0-2 Tours Recommended bet: Tours -0.25 @ 2.07 4/10 Istres – Arles Istres have a lot of squad problems here. Starting in defence they miss 4 players. The vital duo of Sainati and Barillon are suspended, whilst Doumbia is injured again. Alan Cantereil isn’t an important player but he’s another casualty as well. In midfield, key experienced playmaker Jerome Leroy is suspended although at least now Florian Tardieu and Ibrahima Ba can link up together following absences. In attack, Alves is still suspended and Dabo injured. Guy Niangbo is a long term casualty too and remains on the sidelines. Arles don’t really have too many squad concerns ahead of this game. They have a couple of offensive injuries to Omrani and Sangare, but neither of those are massive players for them. This match is also a local derby and it only takes about an hour to travel between the two clubs. So there will be some extra spice here, although don’t expect the atmosphere to be improved much because Istres hardly have any fans. In actual fact, the hosts are a silly price here and there is some value on them. Buty considering current circumstances, I couldn’t even back them with monopoly money. Isters just aren’t playing well this season and they are one of the worst sides in the division. Add in the fact that they have so many absences here and I really don’t fancy their chances. Arles are renowned for having away issues, but its worth noting that their one road win this season came at Nimes, which was another local derby. The short travelling distance will certainly help them here. I don’t think the visitors will lose, but I couldn’t back them either at this short price. Overall it just looks like a very good match to stay away from and I won’t bet in it. Prediction: Istres 1-2 Arles Recommended bet: None

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 18th - 21st Lens – Nimes The only real concern Lens have here is the suspension of midfielder Jerome Lemoigne. He’s started every single game for them this season (except for cups) so will be missed. Their only injury of note is to defender Loic Landre, but he’s been poor since arriving in the summer and probably wouldn’t have started anyway. Of course, Lens still have a big issues at right back which is their main weakness. The problem is that they don’t have a proper/decent RB in their team so youngster Gbamin will probably fill in there again. Nimes will likely name the same XI that beat Caen before the international break. But key playmaker Vincent Gragnic is injured and probably won’t feature again until the new year. He hasn’t been firing much this season but he’s still a major weapon for Nimes and they’ll surely miss him. Right back Jeremy Cordoval is still on the sidelines too, so someone like Parpeix or Benyahia will start there, neither is particularly good. I personally think Lens are are at least a couple of classes better than Nimes. The hosts are one of the best sides in the division and I’d be stunned if they aren’t one of the teams promoted come the end of the season. They have extra class and quality which should be able to see off Nimes here. The visitors are just an average outfit this year, a middle of the road team who might even get sucked into relegation trouble. They did claim an impressive victory against Caen before the international break, but that was at home and in unusual circumstances. This is a much tougher test and one which I don’t think they’ll pass. I just don’t see anything about them which suggests they’ll cause Lens any problems. Of course, Nimes are also in the difficult position of having to play a 2pm (local time) game on the road. Away teams in France have a renowned poor record in these early fixtures and it wont help that they’ve had to travel a long distance either. With their home crowd behind them I think Lens will obtain an easy win. This really should end up as a comfortable regulation success for Antoine Kombouare’s men and I have no hesitation in backing them. Lens @ 1.90 on a -0.5 line here is extremely generous. The maximum they should be is something like 1.70 IMO, this is definitely a value bet. Prediction: Lens 3-0 Nimes Recommended bet: Lens -0.5 @ 1.90 7/10

[meatman]

Re: Ligue 2 > October 18th - 21st Brest – Metz Le Brestois still have their best defender Bernard Mendy injured, he’s yet to play a single match for them this year. Right back Coulibaly is suspended for this match which means Brahim Ferradj is expected to play there. In midfield, Johan Ramare who has started every single game for them this season is another suspension, so he’ll be missed. Jonathan Ayite remains injured in attack although important let winger Benoit Lesoimier is back. He has been injury plagued since suffering a problem at the end of August but quite how effective he’ll be here remains to be seen. Metz have some problems at the back where their best defender Sylvain Marchal is still injured. RB Metanire is suspended which means they are downgraded in defence. On the positive side, Guido Milan makes his first appearance of the season following a major injury just before the start of this campaign. In midfield, Ahmed Kashi, who has started all but one game for them this year is suspended, so this is obviously a blow. Both sides have absences to deal with and much will depend how they adapt in this situation. I rate Metz as the better of the two teams and they are simply playing a higher level of football this season. They also have someone like Diafra Sakho upfront who is a pure stud striker and one of the best in the Ligue. Brest have only claimed 3 wins this season, and a couple of them were against Istres and CA Bastia, so hardly anything to write home about. They could be in trouble tonight because the pace of the Metz attack force may well cause them some problems. Les Grenats have only lost twice this season, ironically both by a 3-2 scoreline. The point is that they are difficult to beat and have a habit of picking up good results one way or another. I’m not going to bet on this game because I think the bookies have their lines set pretty fair, but a draw or an away win is my prediction. Prediction: Brest 1-1 Metz Recommended bet: None