Monday 20/04/2014, 20:30, France Ligue 2, Round 33, Chateauroux vs Lens

Chateauroux vs Lens Betting Preview

One of the things that Chateauroux and Lens have in common is a false sense of security, with just a few rounds remaining in Ligue 2. The hosts are above the relegation area, but only two points separate them from the danger zone and they don't have an easy schedule ahead. Lens seats in the second place with three more points than Nancy and they have a game in hand, but they will be facing three highly motivated teams before the season ends.

Chateauroux vs Lens Betting Odds

At Bet365

Chateauroux 3.00, Draw 3.20, Lens 2.40

Chateauroux vs Lens Betting Tips

At a first glance, this is the kind of game that could easily result in a draw, because one point would keep both players alive and relatively safe. Chateauroux might be tempted to settle for a draw against the better placed Lens, but the truth is that they collect the vast majority of points in front of their fans.

Over the last two months, they won a single game against Nimes and dropped five places in the French Ligue 2. Unless they find a way to end the slide soon, they might be sinking below the psychological threshold and the remaining rounds will turn into a fierce uphill battle to survive relegation.
Dupuis was sidelined with an injury in the last game which was unfortunate since he is the most prolific striker for Chateauroux. In his absence, Bourgeois started as the sole striker and was eventually joined by Makengo in the 66th minute, but by that time it was already too late.

Tonight, the host will take similar chances and instead will field a standard 4-4-2 formation, because they desperately need to strikers. By comparison, Lens could be using three forwards once again, after the offensive trident made of Touzghar, Ljuboja and Chavarria dismantled Nimes with relative ease.

Key Facts

• The hosts are without a quality striker, but midfielder Maboulou frequently comes up front and he is extremely dangerous, having scored nine goals this season.
• Chateauroux won its last game against Lens exactly one year ago, but they are yet to win a match in front of their fans, with their home record reading 2-2-0

Chateauroux vs Lens Betting Prediction

It is always difficult to back a team that won a single match in more than two months, but this is exactly what punters should be doing tonight. Chateauroux to win will increase the initial investment three times with Bet365, but there is a safer way to back the visitors. The 0:0 Asian handicap has the benefit of returning the stakes in case the two teams draw, a frequent outcome for Ligue 2 matches.

Bet: Chateauroux Draw no Bet @ 2.15 with Bet365