Ligue 1 Match Prediction: Lorient vs. Bastia

Match Date: 01 March 2014 (local)

Match Venue: Stade du Moustoir

Lorient

Lorient are still without a league win in five matches as they saw themselves earn another three-point deficit on a narrow defeat from Bordeaux 3-2. The hosts started the match with a stunning goal by Saivet in the 22^nd minute before it was successfully leveled by Diallo four minutes later. Diabate put the scoring 2-1 in favor of the home side six minutes after the half-hour. In the second period, both squads fired a goal. Hoarau scored Bordeaux last goal and though Kone was able to pull off a late rally, their hosts have already caused them sizable strain that they could no longer push the result at least to a draw. This would be Lorient’s 12^th loss in the season, disallowing them to add points in their 32-point earnings and pulling them down one spot below their last week’s standing.

Bastia

Bastia were locked in the ninth spot as they failed to produce a stunner at Saint Etienne, the latter eventually winning the match 2-0 away. Brandao delivered the lead for the visitors just past the half-hour and a Fethi Harek own goal sealed the win in the last minute. It was Bastia who started the match more aggressively and Djibril Cisse secured early chance of the encounter as he volleyed over the bar from 18 yards with nearly 10 minutes on the clock. A few minutes later, Cisse obtained another opportunity but only headed from Wahbi Khazri’s cross. The defeat marked Bastia’s 10^th time to let go of all three points which also recorded their 37^th time to concede a goal.

Football betting tip: Lorient and Bastia’s past six matches rendered them completely equal, with the same number of wins and goals scored. In this face-off, expect the sides nail another stalemate-worthy thriller.

Lorient | Image source: france3.fr