Clermont vs Dunkerque Prediction & Betting Tips (13 September)

After 3 seasons in Ligue 1 2022, 2023, 2024, Clermont Foot has given up its arms and is going down to the lower level as part of this 2024-25 exercise. 11th in the Ligue 2 standings three days later, the results are very mixed. In the opening, the Auvergnats shared the points at home against Pau FC 2-2 against whom they should in theory win. Traveling to Troyes during the second day, it was H.Saivet who gave his team the advantage by scoring the only goal of the game on a 1-0 penalty. Finally, at home in front of a formidable Paris FC team, Clermont Foot surrendered 0-1 on a goal from Krasso.

Although establishing a clear and precise hierarchy in this Ligue 2 is delicate, the USL Dunkerque will play for maintenance a priori. Narrowly maintained last year in 16th place, 46 points on the clock, the USL has already started its 2024-25 year rather well in the antechamber of French football. Beaten in the opening match against Annecy with a score of 2 goals to 0, the northern team was not rewarded for all its efforts on the pitch of Paris FC 2-3 during the 2nd day. At home against Rodez before this break, the residents of Marcel-Tribut won the bet with a score of 1 goal to 0. USL Dunkerque occupies 14th place after 3 days. 

Like any team relegated to the lower level, the losses have been numerous for Clermont Foot. Thus, attackers Cham (Trabzonspor), Kyei (Standart de Liège) and Andric (Rijeka), defenders Borges (Middlesborough) and Pelmard (Lecce) and winger Allevinah (Angers) left the club. The important Virginius (Lille) and defender Matsima (Monaco) returned to their respective clubs. Conversely, the goalkeeper Guivarch (Neuchatel Max), the defender Damien Da Silva (Melbourne Victory, ex-Lyon, Caen), the Congolese defender Mwimba, the very interesting Henri Saivet and Bassouamina (Pau) have arrived. Rookie Inchaud fractured his ankle, joined by another offensive player who arrived this summer, Musa Touré, who suffered a shoulder injury. Sent off at the end of the match against PFC, M'Bahia is suspended (93').

 Like many Ligue 2 clubs, the departures were significant for the northerners. Indeed, goalkeepers Lavallée (PSG) and Koné (Le Havre), defenders Laaziri (Lyon) and Lagae (La Gantoise), wingers Guel (Samsunspor) and Mughe (Marseille), attacking midfielder Maurer (Clermont) and striker Bah (Samsunspor) have all seen their loan period end and they have returned to their club. In order to strengthen himself in the goals, the very young Jaouen (ex-Rodez last year, loan), then the more experienced Koné (Hibernians), Skytta (Toulouse) and Sasso (Boavista), Sekongo (Reims), and Rivera (Saint-Etienne) have all arrived at the club. The club's top scorer in National (2022-23) Ghrieb, joined the EAG at the end of the transfer window.