Red Star preview

• Unbeaten in four games and have looked much better in the last few weeks following dodgy start.
• The Red Star defence continues to be strong, keeping 5 out of 8 clean sheets.
• Scoring goals always an issue with this team but if the defence stays strong they can get away with 1-0s.
• Squad in good condition with no major injuries or suspensions to worry about.
• Red Star now play their home matches in Paris again, although have only scored one goal at Le Stade Jean Bouin in four games.

Niort preview

• Bottom of the table and they are the only winless side so far in Ligue 2.
• Not always easy to beat and have drawn 5 out of 8 games, but the general standard of their performances have been poor.
• Aren’t offering much threat going forwards at the moment and their attack seems fairly toothless.
• Left back Jonathan Brison & right back Tristan Lahaye both remain injured and are ruled out tonight.

Conclusion & betting analysis

• Don’t expect this to be much of a spectacle. Neither side is known for their entertainment value.
• Red Star have been digging in much better of late and reverting back to their form of last season. They are finding ways to win games or graft out draws.
• Due to their excellent defence and the poor nature of Niort’s attack, it would probably only take one goal for the hosts to prevail.
• It’s for this reason I think Red Star -0.25 close to the 1.90 mark is too big to ignore.
• The risk of a 0-0 draw is higher than in some other games but I just think this has a 1-0 or 2-0 Red Star win written all over it.
• Until Niort actually win a game of football then I’m more than happy to keep going against them.

Prediction: 1-0

Recommended bet 1 unit: Red Star -0.25 @ 1.88