Lyon too strong for struggling Reims

17Nov 2012

Remi Garde's side are a strong selection to win this weekend while Nice should serve up some more entertainment, says James Eastham.

Lyon v Reims (3rd v 10th) Sun, 13:00 GMT

Lyon may not be the force they were in the 2000s, but they're strong contenders to claim a Champions League berth after missing out last term. Coach Remi Garde has an excellent mix of young and experienced players, and the word from their training ground is the players are getting along better than they have in the last couple of seasons.

Lyon are a good bet to win this weekend as Reims have hit tough times. The newly-promoted outfit made a tremendous start to the season but their form has faltered in recent weeks: last weekend's 2-1 home defeat against a functional Evian was their third loss in four games, and they have won just one of their last seven in all competitions. We're seeing the first signs Reims may end up battling relegation rather than maintaining the mid-table position they've enjoying until now.

Lyon rested players at Sochaux (1-1) last weekend and some important faces were spared international duty, too, so they ought to be fresh enough to win by a couple of goals. That's why I favour backing the hosts with a -1.0&-1.5 start on the Asian handicap at 2.00 rather than simply to win the game at 1.40.

With the Asian Handicap wager, you'll win if Lyon win by a couple of goals, and lose only half your stakes rather than the whole lot if they win by just a single goal.

An alternative bet would be Lyon-Lyon on the Half Time/Full Time market at 2.10. With this selection, you'll win if Lyon are leading at half-time and then go on to win the game.

Nice v Toulouse (8th v 15th) Sun, 16:00 GMT

Nice were lucky to get a point at Marseille (2-2) last weekend but there's been plenty to admire about their football this season. Coach Claude Puel earned a reputation as an arch-pragmatist during spells as Lille (2002-08) and Lyon boss (2008-11) but since taking over at Stade du Ray in the summer he's encouraged les Aiglons to play on the front foot.

Puel's emphasis on attack, plus considerable weaknesses at the back (Nice's centre-halves lack pace and both right-back contenders Lloyd Palun and Romain Genevois are playing out of position), are all key factors in Nice's poor defensive record. They've kept only one clean sheet in 14 games in all competitions, conceding an average of 1.57 goals per match. With those stats, it's no surprise both teams have scored in Nice's last 12 matches.

Toulouse looked well-qualified to contribute to an open game, too - they've conceded in nine of 12 league fixtures to date and will look to make up for last Saturday's 4-2 home defeat to Ajaccio. That scoreline tells you everything you need to know about how Toulouse defended on the night - and even though they're likely to do better here, the form book points towards goals and chances at both ends.

Best Bet

Lyon -1.0&-1.5 Asian Handicap v Reims @ 2.00

Other Recommended Bet

Nice v Toulouse 'Yes' in Both Teams to Score? market @ 1.95