Against All Odds: Les Tangos too short at odds-on

24May 2013

Ligue 2

It's the final day of the French Ligue Two season this evening and Laval are odds-on for the visit of Chateauroux but Paul Robinson thinks the hosts can be taken on for the win given that they only need a point to guarantee survival.

Laval climbed out of the relegation zone last week with a superb comeback victory at Le Havre. It was their first win since the end of March and it meant that their fate is now in their own hands. They have a two point cushion over Le Mans and given their superior goal difference, a draw will be enough tonight.

Philippe Hinschberger's men aren't exactly in great form though and they've managed just a single draw from their last three at Stade Francis Le Basser. They had been on a good run prior to that by taking 10 points from a possible 12 in front of their own fans, but their recent results must be a concern.

Chateauroux are safely berthed in mid-table after falling to just one defeat in their last five fixtures. They recorded victories over Niort and Nimes and picked up points against Auxerre and Caen. They did lose their last away match but their defence wasn't breached till the 87th minute.

Didier Tholot's side have nothing really to play for this evening although victory could move them as high as 11th - a three place improvement on last season. They may take added motivation from the fact that they haven't won on the road all year and will want to finish their campaign on a high.

I'm wary of backing Laval at odds-on here for a couple of reasons; they don't need to win and they haven't won at home since March. Chateauroux have drawn plenty of times on their travels this term and they should be good for at least a point tonight. That's why, at around the 1.74 mark, I have to make Laval my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet

Lay Laval v Chateauroux @ 1.74