Lorient v Bordeaux Betting Tips: Visitors to secure Europe and send hosts down

This final match is of huge significance for both of these teams; Bordeaux know that a win would give them a decent chance of securing 5th spot and thus a place in next season’s Europa League, while Lorient are in desperate need of a win if they’re to stand any chance of staying in the division, and even that might not be enough, such is the nature of their predicament towards the foot of the table.

Unlike so many games at this time of year, although their needs are contrasting, it’s nice that both of this pair still have something left to fight for. With this in mind, we should see two teams having a real go at each other. Having said this, from a betting point of view, at the prices, it is only the visitors who appeal. ‘Bordeaux to Win’ and ‘Bordeaux to Score Over 1.5 Goals’ are two bets that are worth placing.

In fairness to Lorient, despite being down in 18th place, they’ve tried to play an attacking game this season and have often hurt teams going forward. Their tally of 43 goals scored is certainly respectable and, as the tenth-highest scorers in the division, is a better return than several other teams have managed. However, such a style has brought about tremendous problems at the other end of the pitch with Lorient far too often caught short at the back. Having conceded 69 goals, Bernard Casoni’s men are in the unenviable position of owning Ligue 1’s worst defensive record. Against a Bordeaux team who’re strong going forward, and who’re likely to be fired up for this one, such defensive frailties could easily come into focus once again.

Unsurprisingly, with just four shutouts all season, Lorient also have Ligue 1’s worst clean sheet record. On top of this, the hosts have conceded, on average, the division’s third-highest numbers of shots on target per home game. They’ve also conceded at least twice on eight occasions, as well as in three of their five matches against the current top six.

The visiting side have enjoyed a decent campaign, although it will be looked upon as a fruitless one if they fail to qualify for Europe. Even with a win here, Bordeaux could still miss out, but they will undoubtedly want to make sure they’re poised to strike should Marseille fail to win. In recent weeks, Jocelyn Gourvennec’s side have been in solid form and they come into this game unbeaten in six, three of which they’ve won. As far as scoring goals go, having found the net at least twice in three of those six, the visitors haven’t exactly been in blistering form going forward, but they should certainly be suited by what is likely to be an open game with Lorient having go for it. What’s more, Bordeaux have thrived against those teams who’re struggling this season, winning seven of their last eight against the current bottom seven, scoring at least twice in all seven of those victories.

In what is a crunch game for both, it’s hard to fancy the hosts, they’re simply too weak at the back. On this basis, the visitors are fancied to come out on top and can do so by breaching a weak Lorient back-line at least a couple of times.

Saturday’s Bundesliga tips can be found here.