After landing back-to-back winners in Ligue 1 last weekend, SlipsTips is back with another French fancy on Friday night.
Nice vs Auxerre (Friday, 20:00)
The latest round of Ligue 1 fixtures kicks off with in-form Nice hosting Auxerre at the Allianz Riviera on Friday night.
The Eagles extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches in spectacular fashion as they recorded a resounding 3-0 win over rivals Monaco last Sunday.
As for Auxerre, they have boosted their hopes of survival with back-to-back wins, the most recent of which was a 1-0 success at Lorient.
Nevertheless, the visitors will face a tougher test here against a resurgent Nice side, and that is reflected in the match odds, with the hosts general 8/13 chances.
However, we can get some 5/6 (Betfair) on Nice to overcome a -0.75 hurdle on the Asian Handicap and that increase in price looks worth taking on.
This wager would deliver a full pay-out if the home team triumph by two goals or more, with a half-stakes winner secured if they prevail by a one-goal margin.
Nice have been a team and a club transformed ever since Didier Digard took reins, with the caretaker boss overseeing six wins and two draws thus far, a remarkable revival that means the French Riviera outfit look well placed to make a late charge for a European berth.
Not only did Nice hit Monaco for three last weekend, but they have also delivered a trio of strikes in recent outings against Ajaccio and Marseille, which doesn't bode well for an Auxerre side that have failed to keep the back door shut in 12 of their 13 Ligue 1 away games this season so far.
While Christophe Pélissier’s crop will come into this match feeling upbeat following their recent pair of victories, they have fallen to defeat in nine of their 13 French top-flight road trips this term, and I suspect they could suffer a similar fate on Friday night when faced with a Nice side purring with confidence right now.
Given that this bet would have yielded profit from six of Les Aiglons’ last eight league games, siding with them to overcome a -0.75 start on the Asian Handicap here at 5/6 is a price that holds plenty of appeal.
Recommended Bets
- Nice -0.75 (Asian Handicap)– 5/6 (Betfair)