Angers vs Dunkerque prediction 17.05.2024

• Competition: Ligue 2
• Date: Friday, 17th May, 2024
• Kickoff: 19:45 UTC +1 / 20:45 CEST
• Venue: Stade Raymond-Kopa (Angers)

In the last round of the Ligue 2 season, the most interesting matchup is between promotion-chasers Angers and relegation-threatened Dunkerque.

Angers, who were relegated from Ligue 1 last season after eight consecutive seasons in the French top-flight division, are in a strong position to make an immediate return. They currently hold 2nd place with a two-point advantage over 3rd-placed St. Etienne. However, due to a worse goal difference, Angers need a win in their last game. If they draw or lose and St. Etienne wins against already-relegated Quevilly Rouen, Angers will have to go through the playoffs. Therefore, this game against Dunkerque could be decisive for their promotion hopes.

Dunkerque, on the other hand, have fluctuated between the third and second tiers of French football in recent seasons. They earned promotion last year and are now fighting to avoid relegation. Despite spending much of the season in the danger zone, a strong second half has put them in a favorable position to secure survival. They are five points above the relegation zone but have played one more game than Troyes. One of Troyes' games was abandoned in the 89th minute due to fan riots, with the score at 1-1, and it remains uncertain whether the match will be resumed.

Angers vs Dunkerque pick: Over 2.5 goals

Angers are in excellent form, winning four of the last five games while scoring nine goals - 1.8 per game. Given their recent offensive prowess, scoring a couple of goals in this must-win home game against one of the league's weakest defensive teams is a very realistic scenario. On the other hand, their defense has been shaky in those matches as they failed to keep their net intact in five consecutive matches despite winning four of the five. So, an excellent offense and not-that-good defense resulted in five games with over 2.5 goals. Additionally, seven of their last eight home games were finished with at least three goals. 

Lately, Dunkerque has played only high-scoring games, as they were over 2.5 goals in the last three games. Their defense is a constant problem, having allowed 52 goals in 37 rounds (1.41 per game). In the last four matches, they have been even worse, allowing eight goals - two per game. On the flip side, Dunkerque's recent offensive performances suggest they are capable of finding the net.

Considering all the above, we strongly believe that the game should feature at least three goals, with both teams likely to score.