Ajaccio vs Laval prediction 05.12.2023

• Competition: Ligue 2
• Date: Tuesday, 5th December 2023
• Kickoff: 19:45 UTC / 20:45 CET
• Venue: Stade François Coty (Ajaccio)

On Tuesday evening, last year's Ligue 1 team, Ajaccio, will welcome the league's leader, Laval, at Stade François Coty in Ajaccio in the 17th round of the Ligue 2.

In the 21st century, Ajaccio are one of the teams that occasionally gain promotion to the French top-flight division but then struggle to keep themselves above the danger zone. Last season, they played in Ligue 1 after eight consecutive seasons in Ligue 2 but were instantly relegated, finishing ten points away from the safe zone. This season, Ajaccio are playing a mediocre season, as they are 8th with 24 points, already seven points away from the direct promotion (2nd place), but they are still only two points away from the playoff spots. The primary problem for them is their poor road record, while at home are still undefeated with four draws and four wins, so it will be interesting to see whether they can keep that unbeaten run against the league's leader.

Laval are playing an excellent season - the best in over three decades. The last time this team played Ligue 1 was back in the 1988/89 season, so this season has the potential to be one of the most important in the club's history. Currently, they are at the top of the league's table with 33 points in 16 rounds - two away from the 2nd-placed Angers.

Ajaccio vs Laval pick: Under 2.5 goals

Ajaccio are in poor form, as they won just one point in the previous two games, with only one goal scored. They are generally a team that struggles offensively, as they scored just 16 goals in 16 rounds, but their good defensive record holds them pretty high on the league's table. At home, they allowed only five goals, which is the best in the league. Because of good defense, Ajaccio were just twice over 2.5 goals in eight home games (25%). 

Laval are not a dominant offensive team either, but their defense have been simply awesome - the best in the league with only 11 allowed goals. On the road, Laval have been incredible, keeping a clean sheet on 75% of their games (six of eight), by far the most in the league. 

Both teams have been impressive defensively and were under 2.5 goals in the last three (Ajaccio) and the last two games (Laval). Considering both teams' excellent defensive performances throughout the season, we believe that under 2.5 goals is the safest option for this tie.