Caen will have a great chance to escape the danger zone as they play host to rock bottom Arles Avigon, the team that are simply awful on the travels. With just 12 points to their name, Arles are already relegated, but they now continue to play for their pride.

Great chance for Caen

After spending just one season in the second division, Caen quickly returned to where they belong, which was hardly a surprise seeing that the club had managed to keep hold of their key players despite relegation to Ligue 2. Franck Dumas’ side started this season in remarkable manner, having beaten Marseille and Lyon in their two opening rounds, but the poor run of form midway through the season saw them slip into the danger zone. Nevertheless, Caen have shown a lot of improvement lately, having picked up eight points from four league games before losing to Nancy away from home. The hosts now have a great chance to return to winning ways as welcome bottom-placed Arles, and after beating sides like Rennes, Auxerre and St Etienne at home over the last few weeks, they should have no problems against struggling Arles.

Striker Sambou Yatabare is suspended after seeing red against Nancy, but first team regulars Romain Hamouma and Nicolas Seube return to contention after the spell on the sidelines. Thebaux, Leca and Proment remain sidelined.

A travel sickness

Everyone was surprised to see Arles Avignon gain promotion to Ligue 1 and despite heavy recruitment during the summer, the minnows were tipped for straight return to the second division. Arles not only entered the relegation zone early on, but they continued with dismal performances and it’s been clear for quite a while that they will get relegated. just one victory in 27 games and 12 points on their tally prove just how disappointing the team have been this season, so we have reason to believe they will not survive the trip to Lyon. Besides boasting worst defensive and scoring records in the league, Arles have brought only three points from 13 away games, so I don’t see how they will improve that record against very good Caen side.

Gregory Lorenzi returns from suspension, but Bobo Balde, Kaba Diawara, Jamel Ait Ben Idir, Gael Germany, Cyrille Mervielle and Franck Dja Djedje remain sidelined.

Verdict

Caen have been in pretty good form of late and they definitely have enough quality to beat disappointing Arles. The team from Avignon only brought three points from the travels this season and they should be happy if they avoid a heavy defeat in Caen.

Our prediction: Caen to win with -1 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.16 (29/25)

Bookmaker: 188BET