Toulouse vs AC Ajaccio prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2022-12-31 14:00.
A heavy 6-1 defeat to Marseille in midweek ensured it wasn’t a happy return to Ligue 1 action for Toulouse, who now sit just three points outside of the drop zone. It may be harsh to judge Toulouse on their current four-game losing run as each defeat came against top-five sides, so the visit of a fellow bottom-half team may provide some much needed respite for the promoted side.
Indeed boss Philippe Montanier has described this game as one that “corresponds more to our Championship” after their recent spate of defeats, but he knows success isn’t given after failing to take all three points in seven of his 11 touchline H2Hs with Ajaccio (W4, D3, L4). Even so, building on their top-half of the table home league form could be key in their survival bid (W3, D3, L2).
A 1-0 victory over rock-bottom Angers in their first game back ensured that Ajaccio enter this clash outside of the drop zone and just one point in arrears of Toulouse. These sides finished first and second in Ligue 2 last season, with Ajaccio taking the runners-up spot despite avoiding defeat in both H2Hs (W1, D1).
After losing each of their first three away league games of the season, Ajaccio have subsequently avoided defeat in all but one of their following five (W2, D2), a run which may inspire confidence of extending that unbeaten H2H run. Seemingly further boosting their chances here of overtaking their hosts in the league table, Ligue 1’s longest serving manager Olivier Pantaloni has never lost an away touchline meeting with Toulouse boss Montanier (W2, D1).
Players to watch: Branco van den Boomen scored in Toulouse’s last home win and also assisted the opener in this corresponding fixture last term. Recently described as a “high level player” by Pantaloni, Ajaccio’s Youcef Belaïli has scored two match winners this season, including in their most recent game.
Hot stat: Toulouse have lost as favourites just once in the league this term (W4, D3, L1).