Club football resumes in France this weekend, as Ligue 2 matches kick-off for the season. Here are five things to look out for in the French second division in the first round of matches.
Potential early promotion clash in Ajaccio
Ajaccio will welcome Troyes in one of the opening matches on Friday night, with both teams being potential frontrunners for promotion this season. Ajaccio will have to overcome the disappointment of missing out last season, where they finished third, only to lose to Toulouse in the play-offs. Troyes finished 19th in Ligue 1 last season, and will hope to make a strong start as they look to make a quick return. Click here to bet on Both Teams to Score; odds are 1.95.
Metz look to bounce back
Metz’s last-place finish in Ligue 1 last season meant that just like Troyes, they were condemned to automatic relegation. Les Grenats spent the years between 2006 and 2016 playing in Ligue 2, but will hope for a swifter return to the top flight this time around. They start their campaign at Brest on Monday. Three of the last four matches between the two sides have ended in a draw. Odds are 3.15 for the same to happen again this time. Bet here.
AS Béziers make Ligue 2 debut
AS Béziers were formed a little over ten years ago, in a process that involved merging three amateur sides. The club has now made it into the second tier of French football for the first time ever, and this will be a momentous season for them. They kick their season off against Nancy tonight. You can take a punt on them to score Over 0.5 Goals on their Ligue 2 debut. Odds are 1.70 here.
End of Zinédine Ferhat’s time at Le Havre?
Zinédine Ferhat lived up to his first name by being the most creative player in Ligue 2 last season. The Le Havre midfielder assisted 20 goals for his club, a tally that placed him eight ahead of any other player in the division. Unsurprisingly, he has been the subject of interest from Ligue 1, with Nantes particularly said to covet him strongly. The Algerian agreed to resume training with Le Havre and should feature against Lorient tomorrow, but that could be his last appearance for Oswald Tanchot’s team.
Châteauroux to extend seniority record in Ligue 2
No club in history has featured in Ligue 2 for more seasons than Châteauroux. La Berri have spent 38 seasons in the second level of French football and will clock 39 in 2018/19. Le Havre and Grenoble share second spot on that list with 36 seasons each. Châteauroux finished last season in ninth place. They play away to Clermont tonight, a team they have failed to beat in their last six attempts. Double Chance odds for the hosts are at 1.20 here.