There are some crucial fixtures at the bottom of Ligue 1 this week and Dermot reckons the home sides will prevail.
Clermont v Angers
Sun 16th April 14:00
Clermont’s record in the league is underwhelming at first glance (W11 D7 L12) but when you look a little closer it is actually not too bad. More than half of their losses have come against the top six and their record against everyone else is solid (W11 D4 L5). Angers’ form on the other hand gets worse the more you look. With 22 losses so far their return to Ligue 2 is all but confirmed. Despite a shock upset against Lille last time out, they have managed just one point away from home since September (W0 D1 L9) and have scored just one goal in their last nine games on the road. A routine home win is on the cards here.
Strasbourg v Ajaccio
Sun 16th April 14:00
Both of these teams are at risk of going down but Dermot fancies home advantage to be key here. Strasbourg are in decent form (W2 D2 L2) all things considered and their last three wins have come at The Stade de la Meinau. Ajaccio are on a 6 game losing streak, mostly because they are woeful in front of goal. They have scored the fewest goals of anyone in the league and with just two goals in their last nine away games it’s easy to see why.
Lille v Montpellier
Sun 16th April 12:00
Both of these teams score and concede plenty and Dermot expects an open game. A third of Lille’s matches have had at least four goals and both teams have scored in their last four home games. Montpeillier are in flying form (W5 D2 L1) and will be full of confidence. The reverse fixture finished 3-1 and we’ll be hoping for something similar to kick things off.
Smart Bets:
Clermont v Angers: Clermont To Win @ 4/5
Strasbourg v Ajaccio: Strasbourg To Win @ 3/4
Lille v Montpellier: BTTS & 02.5 Goals @ Evens
The above in a treble is 5/1 with Bet365.