Lyon to disappoint on the road again

12Jan 2013

Lyon are odds-on for their trip to ESTAC Troyes in Ligue One this afternoon but with just three away wins to their name all season, Paul Robinson thinks they should be opposed.

Arles got the job done for us in France last night and I'm more than happy to stay there today, albeit this time in a higher division.

Troyes were promoted last season after finishing third in Ligue Two and it's no surprise that they've found life much harder at this level. Jean-Marc Furlan's side are languishing down in 19th place with just 13 points to their name, meaning they are six points adrift of safety.

It's away from home they've struggled most though as at Stade de l'Aube they have avoided defeat in seven of their 10 fixtures, and they recorded their second victory of the season last time out against Ajaccio. While they only kept one clean sheet during that period, Troyes aren't goal shy themselves, firing just two blanks and netting nine in their last quartet of games in front of their own fans.

Lyon are in a three way battle for the title as, themselves, PSG and Marseille are all tied on 38 points after 19 matches. Les Gones were top of the pile, but one win from their last three has dropped them back to second on goal difference.

Remi Garde's men have been performing well at home but it's another story on their travels. Away from Stade de Gerland, Lyon have won three of nine in the league, and while they only lost two of those, it's the win that they are odds-on for today. Their away form is probably best summed up by the game with Epinal last week. They may not have been at full strength, but they still failed to beat a team who are two divisions below them and eventually lost on penalties.

There is a gulf in class between these two but French sides are notoriously difficult to beat at home. Lyon haven't exactly been getting the job done away either, so at around the 1.96 mark, I have to make them my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet

Lay Lyon v ESTAC Troyes @ 1.96