Bordeaux -1 AH @ 1.85 Pinnacle 5/10
Amazingly, Bordeaux are still in the title race with 2 games left to play this season. Again last week they left it very late to beat Marseille away from home, scoring 2 goals in the last 10 minutes that gave them victory. Laurent Blanc’s men certainly have the force with them now, and they are seriously frightening Lyon. Bordeaux know that they have to win this game to make sure that the title race will go to the last day of the season. With Lyon facing a potentially difficult game against Nancy, then this might be Bordeaux’s big chance to close the gap on their rivals. The players know it’s a MUST win fixture facing a Sochaux side who aren’t quite safe from relegation yet. Officially the visitors need another 2 points to be absolutely certain of their survival, but its quite likely that even a defeat here and they would be celebrating come the final whistle. The expectation is on Bordeaux to get the 3 points and I think they will probably deliver. Sochaux have looked a tired team recently and the effects of a long hard campaign have been felt upon the players. This looks like a home win all the way as Bordeaux continue their charge towards the top.
Marseille straight win @ 2.20 Betfred 4/10
Both teams still have things to play for ahead of this match and it will be a key encounter towards the top of the table. Le Mans sit only a couple of points behind 5th placed St Etienne, so will still fancy their chances of overtaking Les Verts if they could win their two remaining games. But this will be an exceptionally difficult clash facing a Marseille side who desperately need 3 points themselves. The visitors now find themselves 2 points behind rivals Nancy who occupy the final champions league position. However, with Nancy facing Lyon this weekend, its an ideal opportunity for ‘OM’ to make up some ground on them. Only a victory in this match would potentially enable them to have their destiny in their own hands approaching the final match of the campaign. I think will shall see a very exciting clash and both teams should use fairly attacking tactics as they go looking for victory. I think Marseille’s extra quality will eventually prove to be crucial, and I’ll side with the visitors in this fixture.
Lille -0.25 AH @ 2.05 Pinnacle 6/10
This is probably the most important northern French derby that will ever be played between Lille and Lens. Both teams need the points for different reasons and we are sure to see a close tight match, strongly contested with a lot of commitment. Lille sit just a point behind 5th placed St Etienne and will be confident of overtaking them with only 2 games left this season. Claude Puel’s men have been one of the form teams of 2008 and have played some excellent football. That sadly cannot be said about their opponents Lens, who arrive here having won just 1 of their last 13 games. They still remain outside of the relegation zone, but only by virtue of goal difference. Jean Pierre Papin’s men desperately need 3 points from somewhere, but it’ll be very difficult for them to get what they want here. Lille are one of the serious form sides in ligue 1 and will be exceptionally difficult to beat. With the hosts still having plenty to play for themselves, then it will be even worse for Lens facing motivated opponents. Bookies have overacted here and overestimate Lens greatly. I think its time that we remembered what a poor side they are. There’s no doubt in my opinion that Lille are massively overpriced on this -0.25 AH line.