French League
2008-12-14 - O.Lyonnais vs O.Marseille
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
Football: France, Ligue 1
Sunday, 14th December 2008 - Kickoff 20:00
Olympique Lyonnais (1st - Home : 6-2-0 16:6)
This is one of the biggest game in France whereby Lyon will host Marseille in a match that could decide the outcome of the French League this season.
Lyon have are leading the league by two points prior to this game. A win here for Lyon would see them go five points clear of PSG and Bordeaux while a win for Marseille would see them top the League.
Lyon come into this game, without a win in three games. In their last three outings, Lyon have lost to Nantes and PSG by a single goal margin and drawing the other game against Valencienes.
Seven time defending champions Lyon would go into this crucial game without Matthieu Bodmer and Pjanic however they welcome back Karim Benzema.
Lyon have been finding it hard to find the back of the net. They have scored an average of two goals a game and conceded six goals at home but on the road the only managed to score six in nine games.
With Karim Benzima back in the home side lineup, Lyon should be able to find the back of the net at least once.
Olympique Marseille (4th - Away : 3-5-0 14:8)
Marseille on the other hand would go into this crucial game without star striker Mamadou Niang. Since the departure of Cisse in the summer, Niang is the player Marseille was banking on to score their goals.
However, with Niang missing the game, summer signing Hatam Ben Arfa will have to take the goal scoring responsibility when he face his former teammates. Marseille will also be without Elliot Grandin while Hilton and Samassa are doubtful for the game.
Betting Statistic :
Under the asianhandicap line, Lyon have a 50% winning record at home, winning four out of the eight games they have played at home this season. On the other hand, Marseille have also a 50% winning record on the road, winning four out of eight games.
THe Verdict
Lyon are giants in the French League and Lyon have been giving a huge handicap whenever they play, especially at Stade Gerland.
Although Lyon are in a string of poor performance, I do believe Lyon would bounce back following the midweek defeat at the hands of Munich and do enough to cover the handicap and walk away with three points.
However take the under 2.5 goals as assurance policy as a 0-0 or a 1-1 draw is possible.
BEST BETTING TIP :
Under 2.5 goals
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Lyon to cover the -0.5 start.
