Clermont vs Laval (Predictions, Preview, Picks, Tips, Odds)

Clermont – Laval Clermont took a lucky point in last trip at Tours, 1-1, after a game dominated by home team. Clermont scored first due to defensive mistake made by Tours and tried to defend this fragile advantage. Tours pressed a lot, had 2 posts and another good chances to score but till the end they scored a single goal and the game finished 1-1. Second time in a row, when I back over in Clermont’s games and games finishing only with 2 goals, despite plenty of goal opportunities. So far Clermont proved to be very good on their own pitch wining 5 times, drew 3 and losing only once, in dying minutes against Nancy. They were knocked out from French cup by some amateurs; Corinne Diacre saying after this game priority remains championship. Beating Brest in last round, Laval proved once again they are good enough, losing only one game in last 8 in championship, conceding only once in last 4. Once again Alioui was responsible with goals, this scoring twice in this game, having so far 7 goals this season. As their opponent, Laval were involved in the French cup games, but they clearly won 4-1 away against some amateurs proving to be one of the fewest Ligue 2 teams who care about this competition also. Couturier is suspended for this game. Well the key in this game is Clermont striker Diedhiou. He didn’t score a single goal in last 7 games after he scored 13 goals. He did become shy suddenly and I don’t understand why. If he will score, then Laval will have difficult time here. But Laval played good enough on the road, having only 1 defeat this season against Dijon (but if we count also last season results they lost once in last 15 trips, which is very impressive for a small team); so I see them more than capable to keep the host to a goalless draw as they did in last 3 trips in championship. gl