ES Troyes AC (home)
- Sitting top of Ligue 2 with 31 points from 15 games, Stephane Dumont’s ES Troyes AC have been a breath of fresh air in France’s second tier so far this term.
- Dumont has brought a discipline and structure to the Troyes ranks that have seen the team average 2.50 goals scored and 1.00 goal conceded per home game in Ligue 2, thanks largely to a pro-active and high-pressing 4-2-3-1 system.
- They’ve won seven of their eight home games in Ligue 2 so far, with the only blip in that record a 2-3 defeat to AS St. Etienne three weeks ago.
- Since then, Troyes have won their previous two games, including a Coupe de France victory over Union Foot de Touraine, with Merwan Ifnaou’s creativity from midfield providing a real spark, as he’s contributed three assists in his last five appearances. This reflects well in the ES Troyes AC vs Rodez Aveyron betting tips for the upcoming match.
Rodez Aveyron (away)
- Didier Santini’s Rodez Aveyron have been a far less prolific side, but they have shown a real determination and grit to compete in difficult fixtures, as shown by their 13th place in Ligue 2.
- The Ruteni have taken 17 points from their first 15 games and have built their success around a compact defensive block that is quick to cover the ball and spring forward with pace on the counter.
- Rodez have lost three of their last four away games (L3).
- Up top, Ibrahima Balde has been the most effective player in the team, as he leads with three goals in 14 Ligue 2 appearances this term.
Head-to-Head
- However, this is a chess match of styles, Troyes like the ball, like to press, and like to attack quickly when they win it back, while Rodez sit deep and allow the game to come to them before countering with direct and speedy balls, which will be a key aspect in any ES Troyes AC vs Rodez Aveyron prediction analysis.
- The hosts have failed to win either of their last two home games against Rodez and as such, the visitors have a psychological edge in this fixture.
Key Players
- Merwan Ifnaou’s creativity from midfield has provided a real spark, as he’s contributed three assists in his last five appearances.
- Ibrahima Balde has been the most effective player up top, as he leads with three goals in 14 Ligue 2 appearances this term.
Betting Insights
- Troyes are the clear favourites at 1.61.
- The price on Both Teams To Score is 1.87.
Prediction
- We’re going for Troyes to take the points in the end, given their league position, home record and the fact that they have the firepower to break Rodez down. Furthermore, our ES Troyes AC vs Rodez Aveyron betting tips strongly suggest backing the home side based on recent trends.
- However, Rodez’s recent dominance in this head-to-head makes an upset worth a small play on the double chance line.
