Bordeaux to continue home winning streak

13Dec 2012

Two winners yesterday sees Jonno Turner on a roll - and he's focusing on Spain and France today.

Following two winners from Ligue 1 last night, we're heading back to France for our first pick of the day - as in-form Bordeaux welcome Saint-Etienne to Stade Chaban Delmas, looking to make it 10 unbeaten from 11 outings.

Francis Gillot's side have been formidable on their own patch in recent months - and go into this one having remained undefeated in front of their own fans in 16 encounters - a run which stretches all the way back to March.

But what will please the home boss the most will be the manner in which his side has comfortably dismissed their opponents, and four clean sheets from their last five at the Delmas underlines just how dominant les Girondins have been of late.

That leaves our hosts seventh in Ligue 1 - but just one point off Lorient in fourth place, so a win here could dramatically change the picture of the French top tier.

Visitors Saint-Etienne currently sit in fifth - but have won just one of their last five on the road, and that lack of cutting edge could cost the away side this campaign.

A 1-0 loss at home to Lyon last time out will have knocked confidence in Christophe Galtier's side, and they will be under pressure to arrest that slump here so as to avoid slipping further down the table.

So tight is this division that seven sides are within just three points of the away side, and they will be well aware that any drop in form could see them sink down towards mid-table very quickly.

Bordeaux have won the last two meetings between these sides - and I think that Gillot's side will have too much for their opponents once again here.

Bet 1: Bordeaux (HOME) @ 2.2

Over to Spain now for our second tip, and it's the Copa Del Rey as Segunda Division side Las Palmas host top tier Real Betis in Gran Canaria.

The hosts are currently seventh in the second tier, but have won just one of their last three on their own patch, and will need to show more cutting edge if they are to overturn their higher level opponents here.

Sergio Lobera's side have won just three of their last seven Copa Del Rey outings, and will be keen to improve on that record in order to put together something of a run in this competition.

Betis travel to their opponents having won two of their last three away league games, and seven goals scored in those wins shows just how much attacking prowess Pepe Mel's side have in their squad.

Three wins from their last four (the loss being an unlucky 2-1 defeat to Barcelona) will give the visitors a boost ahead of this potentially tricky tie, and the Seville side will be keen to maintain momentum as they seem to be breaking into their stride this campaign.

The Beticos sit fifth in the top tier - already a huge improvement on last season's finish of 13th - and they will be hoping that they can challenge for a European place this season.

This will no doubt be a tough encounter for the visitors, but I think that ultimately, their quality will come to the fore, and they will secure their place in the next round of this cup.

Bet 2: Real Betis (AWAY) @ 2.56