Istres and Monaco to deliver goals

18Jan 2013

Ligue 2

Istres take on Monaco in Ligue Two Orange this evening and while the Betfair markets have this pegged as a low scoring affair, Paul Robinson thinks they are wrong.

Istres are eighth in the table after picking up 28 points from their opening 20 fixtures. They were pushing for promotion a couple of months ago but three wins in their last 11 and seven defeats have seen them drop back. The problem has been in defence as of the 23 goals they've conceded this term, 19 have them have come during that period.

José Pasqualetti's side will relish the return to home soil tonight though as they've actually only lost one of their last five at Stade Parsemain. The goals have still been flowing though as four of the last half dozen have gone over 2.5, with three going over 3.5 and the victory over Tours back in October actually going over 4.5.

Monaco are pushing for promotion back to the top flight under new boss, Claudio Ranieri. They are in second place, only missing out on top spot on goal difference. Like their opponents, they've also dipped a bit in form lately as it's just one win in four for The Red and Whites.

Ranieri's side are the top scorers in the division with a total of 34 scored, but with 20 conceded they have the worst defensive record out of all the teams in the top five. Their matches are averaging 2.7 goals so far this season and six of their last eight on the road have had three or more.

French games are usually tough for goal backers but these two have gone against the grain this year. That's why at around the 1.77 mark, I have to make under 2.5 goals my lay of the day.