Clermont preview

• Four game unbeaten run was ended in midweek when they lost 2-1 at Reims.
• Harsh defeat and they were arguably the better team. Goalkeeper Mehdi Jeanin was at fault for the late Reims winning goal.
• Clermont have generally been playing very well recently with good contributions made from all over the field.
• Coach Corinne Diacre rested some regular starters in midweek so there should be an element of freshness to certain players here.

Strasbourg preview

• Just 1 win in 5 games for RCS and they’ve drifted off form a bit recently.
• The recent hectic schedule has hit them hard and seem to be struggling for intensity.
• Key midfielder and one of their best players so far this season, Jeremy Grimm is suspended.
• No other major absences and RCS will remain hard to beat having only lost once so far this campaign.

Conclusion & betting analysis

• Both sides have generally had an encouraging season so far, although Clermont have looked better of late.
• Strasbourg have had an extra day of rest, but the squad rotation which Clermont enforced in midweek could prove useful tonight.
• Clermont have played very well against a lot of good teams recently so certainly won’t be fazed by their illustrious visitors.
• It’s surprising to see Clermont @ around 1.80 on a DNB line. This looks quite generous bearing in mind how good they’ve looked of late.
• This price and line is too difficult to ignore and at worst the hosts should be able to draw. Strasbourg have just looked ‘slightly off colour’ recently.
• Might be a more open game than some people anticipate, but it’s safer to leave the goal line market alone, even if over 2 is a slightly tempting price.

Prediction: 2-1

Recommended bet 1 unit: Clermont DNB @ 1.83