Orleans preview

• Becoming an inconsistent team, hard to predict and have surprisingly been involved in some higher scoring matches recently.
• The absence of key defender Joel Sami has been felt hard in recent weeks. They’ve conceded seven goals in the two games he’s missed.
• Sami returns to the squad tonight but his condition is questionable.
• Key playmaker Karim Ziani is definitely ruled out because of injury and they will miss his creativity.
• Orleans played very well in their last home match, beating Strasbourg 3-1. They haven’t lost at home since the opening day.

Amiens preview

• Their four game winning streak came to an end in midweek but they are still third in the table with a game in hand.
• Have been the big surprise package so far, everyone expected them to be relegation fodder.
• Still can’t be underestimated and they are playing really well together as a unit.
• Team news set to be favourable and fast winger Georges Gope Fenepej will make his first appearance of the season following injury.

Conclusion & betting analysis

• Matchup between two promoted teams and both have done better than expected so far.
• Amiens have especially been in brilliant form and currently sit on the podium.
• Both teams will probably fancy their chances of victory which might lead to an open encounter.
• Despite Amiens’ excellent start, I personally consider these two teams quite evenly matched. Therefore, the bookies offering 1.80 on the hosts DNB seems generous.
• Orleans have looked decent at home and this is a tempting bet. But until Amiens start losing matches then I’ll give them some respect.
• Considering the higher scoring nature of Orleans’ recent matches, then over 2 goals @ around the 1.90 mark is tempting.
• However, with a key playmaker missing and a key defender returning, I’m happy just to leave this one alone.

Prediction: 1-1

Recommended bet: None