This is without a doubt the game I like the most in this week end French card. Although I went wrong a couple of times going against Lorient, I truly feel it’s time to go again against them.

The greens are simply to hot to handle at the moment, eventually playing at their full potential, with Bafetimbi Gomis and Ilan up front and the midfield duo of Dernis and Matuidi who are doing an excellent job in the game’s construction. St Etienne is a typical home team, playing in the “chaudron of Geoffroy Guichard” where they only lost 1 game and conceded only 4 goals in 16 games. They generally comes out strong in home games by putting a lot of pressure on their opponents, which results on a lot of scoring chances, and as they don’t play to hold a lead, they can win by more than a goal difference. This end of season can be crucial for the team as it seems that 5th place in the standing might give a direct spot in the next UEFA cup, something that the whole people of St Etienne is waiting for a long time. Coach Roussey said that the end of the season sprint has started and he hopes that a sold out stadium will give enough energy for his team to win.

On the other side, Lorient had a couple of lucky result lately with an undeserved home win against Lens, where they were totally outplayed by their opponents. Now the team is in safe waters and even tough they are close to St Etienne in the standings, all I can say is that the quality difference at the moment is quite big in favour of the hosts.

I don’t expect anything but a clear home win in this one. St Etienne is a rock at home and has a too much quality to overcome Lorient, as the guests are poor travellers and have nothing to play for but to enjoy the rest of the season. Big ambitions, quality on their side, and with a strong help from the fans, the greens should take this one. Price available at Stan James is more than decent!



Pick : Saint Etienne -0.5
Odds : 1.90
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : Stan James
Match Result : 1-0
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