It’s a 16/1 treble this week as Dermo thinks Montpellier will turn on the style once again
All the focus of game week 35 will be on the relegation battle as the title and Champions League places are all but decided. Nantes travel to Toulouse in 17th place still trying to recovery from a 5-1 drubbing by the same opposition in the Coupe de France final two weeks ago. Strasbourg take on a Nice side beset with off-field noise whilst the remaining two clubs in trouble, Brest and Auxerre, meet in Brittany. Ajaccio and Troyes could (and should) be officially relegated this weekend at they travel to PSG and Rennes respectively.
Strasbourg Vs Nice
Sat 13th 16:00
Off the field news has impacted Nice’s performance on it recently. From INEOS (and Nice) owner Jim Ratcliffe’s public desire to buy Manchester United to current employees (players & staff) being interviewed by police in regards to remarks made by ex-manager Christophe Galtier, the show off the field has led to a poor spell on it. They were knocked out by Swiss Super League side Basel, who are currently 10th in their own league. Wins in their last 2 against Troyes and Rennes have papered over the cracks but Didier Digard is apparently no longer in contention for the manager’s job after a good start to his caretaker role. One feels Les Aiglons will be a team going through the motions for the remainder of the season.
The same cannot be said of their opponents. This game is effectively their last chance to get some points at home as they face PSG in their final game on home soil. 4 wins in their last 7 has Le Racing sitting 3pts out of the relegation zone. Habib Diallo is in a rich vein of form (5 in last 6) and his goals will be vital not in just this game but for the rest of the season. The Alsace side know a home win will all but keep him in Ligue 1 for next season and I think they’ll edge out a close game.
Brest Vs Auxerre
Sun 14th 14:00
This is the ultimate “can’t lose” game for both sides. Brest have the more favourable run-in but this may well be Auxerre’s last chance for points this season. A trip to Toulouse is sandwiched between home visits of PSG and Rennes. An early goal here will set the tone where the other team has to attack. Brest have been tougher at the back lately but their recent schedule has been pretty soft. Auxerre are finding the net more frequently recently but are still struggling to stop opponents scoring. Almost even money on both teams to score is the bet here.
Montpellier v Lorient
Sun 14th 14:00
Montpellier were involved in possibly game of the season last week, losing 5-4 at Lyon. Having been 4-2 up and losing to a 100th minute penalty might be a hard one to take. That said, it’s been La Paillade’s style for a number of years now. Attack first, defend . . . as an afterthought. With the form Elye Wahi is in I don’t see this changing. Lorient have steadied the ship after a bit of a freefall following the transfer window. The midfield is a bit lightweight when it comes to battling but this open type game will suit the likes of Enzo Le Fee and the enigmatic Romain Faivre. A close game where both teams score but with a home win for Michel Der Zakarian’s side.
Smart Bets:
Strasbourg To Win @ 7/5 (1pt win)
Brest Vs Auxerre BTTS @ 19/20 (1pt win)
Montpellier to Win & BTTS @ 11/4 (2pt win)
Above in treble (best priced): a littel under 16/1 (1pt win)
