Amiens V Lyon
Friday 13th September 2019 – 19:45 Kick-Off
French Ligue 1
Pick: Lyon to WIN
Odds: 41/50
Bookmaker: MarathonBet
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15/4 | 53/20 | 77/100 |
* (All betting odds displayed were correct as of 10th September 2019 at 18:35)
Preview: The second Ligue 1 fixture to take place after the recent bout of international matches sees Lyon bidding to maintain a perfect record of eight wins from eight previous competitive meetings with Amiens. The latter, though, have the added advantage of playing at home here. So, will the Stade de la Licorne inspire an underdog victory?
French Football Betting – 22Bet
Amiens Preview – Les Licornes seeking another major scalp?
A quick glance at the Ligue 1 standings tells us everything we need to know about how the club who are spending only its third season in the French top-flight have begun 2019-20. Just two teams – Monaco and Dijon, for those interested – have made slower starts than Amiens, whose three points from four games (W1 D0 L3) has them down in 18th position and occupying a relegation play-off position.
It is, of course, early days and there remains an ample amount of fixtures to turn an underwhelming opening salvo into another successful season in which relegation is avoided. If this is to materialise, form at home needs to be strong, something that had been the case towards the end of the previous league campaign when going eight unbeaten inside the Stade de la Licorne (W4 D4).
This season, however, has already seen them relinquish that unbeaten streak on home soil when going down 2-1 to Nantes on matchday three, though it was only a week earlier that they were stunning the runners-up from last season at the very same venue. Serhou Guirassy scored the only goal of that particular game as Les Licornes (The Unicorns) beat Lille 1-0 at home in what remains their only win, or points for that matter, of the season.
Their other results in the league so far were both away defeats, at Nice (2-1) and Toulouse (2-0). Interestingly, all three of their losses have followed the same pattern of them conceding precisely two goals. Meanwhile, their expected goals averages for this season are in line with what a relegation candidate would produce: 0.70xGF and 1.20xGA.
Lyon Preview – Les Gones targeting return to winning ways?
The enigmatic side of Lyon has reared its head early this season. From opening with back-to-back victories away in Monaco (0-3) and at home to Angers (6-0), they then contrived to pick up one point in their subsequent two fixtures versus Montpellier away (1-0) and Bordeaux at home (1-1). That is some drop-off in output, both in terms of points and goals scored.
As far as the overall picture, Lyon are still roughly where they need to be: currently in fifth position and only two points adrift of the early pacesetters. Next up on the agenda is an opponent they can boast a 100% record of eight wins from eight league and cup meetings against, winning twice without conceding at Amiens in both domestic competitions last season.
The performances this season, however, have not quite been at the same standard, and possibly are an indication that a recent dip in form was less a blip and more something that was to be anticipated. Les Gones have massively overachieved in front of goal so far, averaging 2.50 goals per game despite only averaging an expected goals figure of 1.00. Meanwhile, forward Memphis Depay accounts for 40% (4 of 10) of their total goals scored.
Improvements are needed then if Lyon are to return to winning ways here. That being said, a particular strength of theirs last season was an ability to travel well, with only runaway leaders PSG registering more points from away encounters (Lyon away record last season: W9 D5 L5). Seven of those away successes contained a minimum of three goals in the match, and that bet (Lyon & Over 2.5 Goals) is an appealing 15/8 shot with Boylesports.
Amiens V Lyon Key Facts:
- Amiens have begun the latest Ligue 1 season by losing three of their opening four fixtures (W1 D0 L3).
- Lyon made an excellent start to the campaign when winning their opening two fixtures by an aggregate of 9-0, but have since failed to win their last two league games (W2 D1 L1).
- There have been eight previous competitive meetings between these two clubs, with Lyon prevailing on every occasion including a couple of ‘to nil’ victories at Amiens in Ligue 1 and Coupe de France last season.
Betting Summary
In terms of results (one win and three losses recorded in their first four matches) as well as the general performances, there isn’t much to like about Amiens. Throw in a dismal record in this match match-up, losing in all eight previous meetings in all competitions, and it really is hard to make a case for the home side.
Maximum points from their first two league outings, scoring goals for absolute fun in the process, gave the impression that Lyon meant business this season. The team’s process, though, didn’t match up to the emphatic scorelines, which might explain why results soon took a turn for the worse as they claimed just one point from contests with Montpellier (L1-0) and Bordeaux (1-1).
Even though Lyon have surrendered some momentum after failing to win their last two matches, they do possess enough firepower to be overpowering the lesser sides in the division. The past two seasons has seen them go to Amiens and collect all three points, while only PSG possessed a better record on the road in Ligue 1 last time around. Therefore, Lyon are a fair price to win.
