PSG have too much quality Toulouse this tie

23Jan 2013

Jonno Turner picks two selections from France to extend a positive start to the week which has delivered two winners.

Another winner yesterday makes it two for the week so far, and we're going back to France for another selection today - as big spending Paris Saint Germain line up on their own patch against Toulouse in the Coupe de la France.

The hosts are in cracking form ahead of this tie, and have not lost in their last eight outings - a run which will please boss Carlo Ancelotti, and boost confidence down at the Parc des Princes.

And just two losses in 20 encounters in front of their own fans suggests that les Rouges et Bleus are rightly favourites for this tie, at 1.6.

Much is made of the star signings such as Ezequiel Lavezzi, Lucas Moura and Zlatan Ibrahimovic - and 11 goals scored in five suggests that it was money well spent - but it's clear that the hosts also have the defensive side of their game in order, and four clean sheets from five clashes on their own patch is impressive by anyone's standards.

Toulouse travel to the capital having won just one of their last seven games away from the Stadium Municipal, and that miserable run is compounded by the fact that they haven't scored in five of those games.

Boss Alain Casanova sounds like a right charmer, but his sweet nothings have not quite done the business on the road in recent weeks - and his side sit in the middle of Ligue 1, having kept just one clean sheet on their travels since mid October.

This competition is not a favourite of the visitors, and three losses from their last four Coupe de la France outings suggests that they see it as more of a bonus than a priority.

Indeed, with the return fixture in the league just a fortnight away, the away side may have one eye on securing three points on their own patch in that clash.

History is certainly on the side of the hosts, and they have won their last six meetings with Toulouse ahead of this one. They're short - but I reckon they're worth a back.

Bet 1: Paris Saint Germain (HOME) @ 1.59

Staying in France now, and in-form Brest travel to National Division side CA Bastia, looking to extend the excellent form they have shown away from the Stade Francis-Le Blé in recent weeks.

The visitors are unbeaten in half a dozen outings on the road, and that will give them much confidence as they aim to avoid an upset in the Coupe de la France.

Four consecutive wins on their travels indicates that the North Western side are more than capable of making their quality count in this clash, and boss Landry Chauvin will be looking for his side to notch the first goal here in order to settle their nerves.

CA Bastia prepare for this big game having failed to win in three of their last five, and a 1-0 defeat at Uzès Pont du Gard in their last encounter will have been disappointing for boss Stéphane Rossi.

The hosts are not to be confused with their local rivals, Ligue 2 side Bastia, who they beat in the last round of this competition 2-0 - and although the Stade d'Erbajolo are going well in the league, I think that they will be found lacking against their quality opponents here.

Just one clean sheet in five games indicates that the home defence is prone to slip ups, and I reckon that could have a major bearing on the outcome of this clash.

Bet 2: Brest (AWAY) @ 2.46