Dunkerque

vs

AS St. Etienne

Preview

Dunkerque (home)

• Albert Sánchez has got Dunkerque compact and tough to break down in a high-tempo 4-2-3-1 system that is based on direct play, quick transitions and aggressive pressing.
• They have lacked a cutting edge in the final third in their previous three games however, falling 0-1 at home to Montpellier, 0-2 away at Nancy and 0-0 in their home game against Clermont Foot.
• They have now won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five so they haven't exactly hit their stride yet.
• As hosts in this competition they have won three, drawn one and lost two of their six home games, scoring 1.50 goals per game and conceding 1.00 per game.

St. Etienne (away)

• AS St. Etienne have won eight and lost two of their last 10 matches in all competitions (D0), including the last five.
• Les Verts have been sharp in their last two games, beating Dijon 3-2 away from home before seeing off Montpellier 3-1 in front of their own fans and they should have enough momentum to take the spoils on Saturday.
• Irvin Cardona has been Les Verts' finisher, scoring four in four Ligue 2 games this term, while Thierno Ballo is in hot form with four of his team's 13 goals coming in their last five games.

Attackers to watch

• Irvin Cardona has been Les Verts' finisher, scoring four in four Ligue 2 games this term.
• Thierno Ballo is in hot form with four of his team's 13 goals coming in their last five games.

Betting Insights

• St. Etienne are on a roll and should have the class to win this game, with the odds at 1.8, Dunkerque at 4.0 and the draw at 3.7.
• A better angle could be to take the visitors to win and over 2.5 goals which would certainly be the smart play based on the recent form of the two sides.

Prediction

• St. Etienne are on a roll and should have the class to win this game.
• Dunkerque are a good side and will make this tough, so the underdog tag is deserved here.