There is a huge relegation six-pointer in Ligue 1 on Saturday night as 17th-placed Monaco host Amiens, who sit just one place and two points above Leonardo Jardim’s side.
Monaco looked like they had secured their top-flight safety after a run of four wins and three draws across February and March, but they have since lost four and won none of their last seven to get dragged back into a fight for survival.
Amiens, too, were seven points clear of the relegation places but have since drawn seven of their last eight. 888Sport make the visitors 9/2 (5.50) to claim victory, with Monaco just 3/5 (1.60) and the draw at 14/5 (3.80).
GettyIt is difficult to get onside with either team coming up trumps here, given Monaco’s recent regression and Amiens’ lack of goals. Indeed, they have scored just five times in their last eight fixtures.
Instead, backing the first half to remain goalless at 15/8 (2.88) looks the way to go at Stade Louis II. The hosts have managed just one strike before the break in their last 10 games, and netted just 12 first half goals all season.
Exactly 25 per cent of Monaco’s games in front of their own fans have been 0-0 at half-time with Amiens’ figures even more affirming; indeed, 17 of their 36 games - 47% - this campaign have not seen a first half goal.
GettyThis pick would have stunningly paid out in eight of Amiens’ last nine games and with just five away goals scored before half-time, they are unlikely to trouble Monaco’s defence in that time.
With so much on the line in this clash – a win for either side will likely see them safe as 18th-placed Caen head to 3rd-placed Lyon – a tense start looks likely in the French principality.
The 15/8 (2.88) price, then, on under 0.5 first-half goals is certainly appealing ahead of this fixture with both sides looking to avoid defeat as the threat of relegation looms.
Under 0.5 first half goals at 15/8 (2.88) for a 2pt stake with 888Sport
888Sport