Strasbourg vs Clermont prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2022-05-13 22:00.
Strasbourg were not considered a pre-season contender for European football after flirting persistently with relegation throughout 2020/21, but are now just two steps away from their second appearance in a UEFA competition in 15 years after leapfrogging Nice into fifth place with a crucial 1-0 win at Brest. Ahead of a home clash with struggling Clermont, âLe Racingâ are already assured of their best top-flight finish of the century.
Despite being in his early forties, manager Julien StĂ©phan could add another achievement to an already glittering managerial career that includes guiding Rennes to their first trophy in 48 years as well as a third-place finish in 2019/20. StĂ©phanâs only clash with Clermont was actually a 2-0 away win in the reverse H2H, which has since been followed up with one-goal margin results in each of their last six league wins across all venues.
âItâs a good day,â hailed Clermont manager Pascal Gastien after their 2-1 home win over Montpellier saw them move within touching distance of survival in their inaugural Ligue 1 season. Gastien demanded aggression from his players in the opening 30 minutes, leading to a fourth minute opener from Elbasan Rashani – Clermontâs first Ligue 1 goal within the first half hour in seven matches.
Notably, Clermont couldnât beat Brest in their last away trip (0-2) as Strasbourg did last round, and success on the road against the leagueâs better clubs has been few and far between. From 12 Ligue 1 matches away to clubs placed 13th or higher going into the weekend, Clermont have lost nine (W2, D1), including heavy losses to some of Strasbourgâs nearest rivals including Rennes (0-6) and Monaco (0-4).
Players to watch: Strasbourgâs Kevin Gameiro was hailed by StĂ©phan as âa model of courageâ last weekend as he once again scored in back-to-back league appearances. Clermontâs matchwinner in their last outing, Mohamed Bayo, has scored their opening goal in seven league away trips this season.
Hot stat: The second half has been the highest scoring half in ten of the last 14 Ligue 1 games involving either club.