Lens backers need glasses

11Jan 2013

Ligue 2

The French emerge from their winter break this evening as Lens host Arles in Ligue Two Orange and while the home side are odds-on, Paul Robinson thinks they are too short.

Lens are eighth in the table after picking up 28 points from their opening 19 matches. Eric Sikora is the new man in charge and he has enjoyed some success as they've only lost three times this season, however they've only won six and scored just 19 goals.

A failure to turn draws into victories has been the problem - 10 in all - with only three wins coming at Stade Félix-Bollaert from 10 attempts. They've kept it tight at the back, but they just aren't scoring enough goals and only two sides have netted fewer this term.

Arles also have a fresh face at the helm as Pierre Mosca is operating as interim boss. They finished 12th last year but they've struggled so far this season and they find themselves down in 17th place, just three points clear of the drop zone.

Again, like their opponents, The Lions draw too many games with only Chateauroux having lost less times than them out of the clubs in the bottom half of the table. With 16 goals scored they are the least prolific team in the entire division, but they had netted four times in a row away from home before the 0-0 draw with Guingamp last time out.

Arles have avoided defeat in five of their nine matches on the road this season, while Lens have won just three of 10 in front of their own fans. The home side are simply too short at around the 1.91 mark and that's why I'm making them my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet

Lay Lens v Arles @ 1.91