French Leagues - 20/21st May

[kompressaur]

odds from bet365

[daikoku]

I could have some sort of interest in Lyon tomorrow. Here's an interesting article from soccernet...

OM host Lyon with Europe at stake

PARIS, May 20 (Reuters) - Troubled Olympique Marseille have their European future at stake when they host rampant French champions Olympique Lyon in the season's penultimate matches on Saturday.

Marseille are still fourth in the 20-side table but, with only one victory from their last 10 league outings, they have conceded a lot of ground in the chase for a UEFA Cup berth.


With two matches to go, Marseille have 54 points and cannot catch third-placed Monaco on 61. But they are only two points above AJ Auxerre and Stade Rennes, level on 52, while St Etienne and Racing Lens are three points further adrift on 49.

'We can't imagine spending another season without a European challenge,' said Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri. 'It's what keeps you focused and in good shape.

'On paper, we are one of the top three clubs in the French league,' he said. 'We are going to give everything we have on Saturday. Even if we fail to qualify for the UEFA Cup we don't want to have any regrets.'

Lyon, on 75 points, claimed their fourth consecutive title two weeks ago and are aiming to break Monaco's record of 79 points in one season by winning their last two matches at Marseille on Saturday and at home to Nice next week.

After demolishing Girondins Bordeaux 5-1 last week, Lyon will be out for nothing but victory at the Stade Velodrome.

'There are still 180 minutes to play and we want to relish every one of them,' said Lyon deputy coach Yves Colleu. 'There will be more than 50,000 people there and it's always something special to play at the Velodrome.

'We are ready for a good game and to put on a good show.'

Marseille will be without striker Steve Marlet, still nursing an Achille's injury, and midfielder Salomon Olembe, who has a sore back.

Second-placed Lille will have the chance to close in on direct qualification for the Champions League when they host struggling AJ Ajaccio.

Lille, who are three points above Monaco, would have their place in the lucrative tournament virtually secured with a win. The northern side have won five of their last six matches.

'We are certain to finish third at worst but after what we have achieved since the start of the season we are not ready to give up anything,' said coach Claude Puel.

Monaco must win at Bordeaux if they want to keep their hopes of finishing runners-up alive, but even victory might not be enough for the principality team who will otherwise play in the preliminary round of the Champions League.

At the bottom of the table, the situation is far from resolved with seven clubs within four points of each other and threatened by relegation.

Off course Marseille would like to seal a Uefa Cup spot but they've only won 1 game in their last 10. Champions Lyon have only lost twice away from home all season. The above article mentions that they are aiming to beat Monaco's total points record, and on current form I can see them doing just that.

Stan James are currently offering 2.2 for Lyon on the level ball and I'm very, very tempted at medium stakes.

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

I'd avoid Lyon - everytime i bet on them they go and mess up, especially in their away games in the league. Im also weary to follow teams that in theory, have nothing to play for - again its been a costly mistake in the past for me. So you will be happy to know im not backing them so they will probably win now.

On first look i like Nice at home to Auxerre but i havent followed this league for past 2 weeks or so. From what i remember Auxerre were on an awful run away from home while Nice on the other hand had pretty decent home form. But i'd need to look at recent results to be sure, team news etc.

[daikoku]

I know what you mean Kiko, but I still think Lyon are good value on the level ball. Lyon are the best away side in the French league and have also conceded the least goals away from home this season. They thumped Bordeaux 5-1 at home last week and morale will be high. I think the draw is still very likely but I just can't see Lyon losing this one. Marseille aren't playing well at the moment and will have a couple of players out. Steve Marlet is 3rd top goal scorer for Marseille with 7 goals, just behind Laurent Batlles and Peguy Luyindula who both have 8 goals.

Definitely not banker material, but I still reckon it represents value .

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Yeah - the odds did jump out at me. Marseille seem to be better away from home are they not? As for Lyon with best away record, i reckon the only times they have messed up away must of been when i was on them! Good luck anyways!

[crowie]

2 bets for me

7pts on Lille at 1.63 with Betfair.

France is a very "home" league and I have to go with Lille, 1 home defeat all season, won their last 3 games at home and hoping to clinch 2nd place and the other automatic CL spot.

Ajaccio are right in the relegation dogfight but they are there because they have the 2nd worst away record in the league.

Lille look a decent price to me considering respective home and away form and respective requirements for points.


Also

4pts double on St Etienne/Rennes at 2.26 with Bet365

Istres are down and have lost their last 4 aways by an aggregate of 14-2 including 8-0 at Lille

St Etienne still have a chance of Europe if they catch 5th place Auxerre. It should also be noted that St Etienne have now gone 11, yes ELEVEN home games without conceding They have the best home defence in the league.

Doubling them with Rennes, also chasing this 5th league spot. Rennes have the 2nd best home record in the league, 12-4-2, only Lyon are better. Last 2 home games have been draws, v St Etienne and Monaco, prior to that they won 8 in a row at home.

Playing Strasbourg who have picked up recently away from home, their 2 away wins this season have been in their last 3 aways. However their results of late have boosted them 6 points (and massive GD) away from the relegation positions and the pressure is now effectively off. I will take the impressive Rennes to get the points tonight.


Both these sides as I mentioned are chasing 5th spot and a Euro place. The team currently in that position are Auxerre. Auxerre lead Rennes on goals scored, everything else is equal while they are 3 pts clear of St Etienne. However they face a tricky away tie at Nice tonight. Auxerre have slipped of late with only 1 point from last 18 available away from home. Nice have only lost 2 at home all season, only conceded 1 goal in last 4 home games. Both sides chasing Auxerre know that there is a chance they could gain points on them tonight and therefore I fancy both sides to record home wins.

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Good Luck mate!

Ended up im going to go with a little Lyon/Monaco double. Totally agree though with what your saying about this being a "home league".

[daikoku]

Nice previews Crowie, I've wrestled between taking Lille and laying Marseille for a couple of hours now. In the end I've decided to lay Marseille @ 2.76 7 points with Betfair.