FRIDAYS are back to normal with the return of French Ligue 2 after their short winter break.
A bit like international breaks it does pose a problem for punters as teams lose momentum, sides have players returning from injury and a few weeks with no games allows struggling sides to regroup.
All of this makes the first round of matches after the break tough to predict but that's hasn't put me off backing goals in one of the games.
Valenciennes v Sochaux (7pm)
Just three points separate these two struggling sides as they look to move away from the relegation places.
The hosts boast the league's highest average goals per match at 3.0 goals per game (22 scored 32 conceded) and despite their lowly position of third bottom they have scored more goals than 12 other teams in the league.
They reason they find themselves in trouble is their awful defensive record. Nobody has conceded more goals this season and at home they have the worst goal against count in the league.
Sochaux have been a blowing hot and cold in recent games, losing 3-0 to basement boys Red Star but then defeating 6th-placed Lorient 1-0 before the winter break. They followed that up with a brave performance away to high-flying Ligue 1 side Lille going down 1-0.
They'll be looking to take those last two performances into this game against a side whose defensive frailties will likely see them get on the score sheet.
This has been a great fixture for goals at Valenciennes – the last 7 meetings have ended 3-1 2-1 2-2 1-2 2-2 3-1 3-0 and 11 of the last 12 have seen both sides score. That bodes well for goals in a match which both teams need to win.
Hoping the need for points, the number of goals in Valenciennes matches and the history of goals in this fixture provides us with a winning start to 2019 in Ligue 2.
Recommended Bet
- Over 2.5 match Goals
- 63/50 (Marathonbet) (NAP)
Anyone have any other fancies in Ligue 2?
I'm a St Johnstone diehard and football tipster from Perth, now living in Glasgow. I've been writing football previews and tips for Mr Fixit since 2015, with in-depth knowledge of Scottish football and betting markets, particularly goals and corners markets. You’ll often find me conversing on Twitter @GregBrowning84.
same thoughts with you,great tip en success
Unlucky tonight mate. Was just looking at tomorrows cards in France and I do fancy Brest BTTS but whenever I bet on french games they end up a goalless. The league itself is on the lower end of the BTTS Scale. 39% Both Teams Scored – (77 times out of 195 matches).