Pau VS Grenoble

Pau host Grenoble for this French Ligue 2 round 18 battle at Nouste Camp early Wednesday morning Beijing time. The biggest, usually relatively sharp bookmakers that accept the biggest bets from customers think Pau are the favorites to win.. I have to disagree with this view and see Bordeaux as solid favorites with today's expected lineups. They have an edge in all areas of the game! However, in terms of offensively quality the difference is pretty small. Indeed, Grenenoble have scored just 16 goals so far but their number of expected goals (xG) is clearly bigger – 19.22. Their defense is, however, very well-structured and the defenders rarely make silly mistakes – even against the top teams. As a whole they have significantly raised their level from last season and currently occupy the 5th place with 26 points. This is just five points less than a very big team for this level, Bordeaux, who are in the 2nd place. They have an excellent coach and a fine team spirit according to my sources. 

In their most recent game Grenoble beat Nimes 1-0 at home in a Coupe de France match (French Cup) 1-0. Before this they suffered a defeat at home as underdogs according to the betting market to Metz. 0-1 was the final score. However, this was a pretty unlucky loss as They had 53% ball possession and recorded many more goal attempts, shots on goal, total passes, completed passes, attacks and dangerous attacks. They would have deserved at least a draw. Before this they were, however, disappointing away from home against Quevilly Rouen losing 0-2. Even so, the match was a bit more balanced than the final score would suggest. Even so, in September to November they proved how good they can be going undefeated for nine matches in a row winning 7/9! being very impressive in most of these matches. The bookies clearly fail to recognize how good they are this season. Even last season they beat Pau 1-0 away from home and 2-0 at home! Pau, on the other hand, are in the 13th place with just 21 points and have a bad score difference of 16:21. Indeed, their defense has not convinced me in most games this season.. They have won two matches in a row in the Coupe de France but were not very impressive.. In Ligue 2 they have lost two games in row 1-2 away from home against Niort and 0-1 at home to Paris FC. They were disappointing in both matches – especially offensively. They would have to improve in all areas of the - or have luck on their side to win this clash.. The home advantage is, of clourse there but Pau have not been strong even at home this - and have a score difference of 8:9 in front of their fans.