All or nothing second leg to go all the way

A well deserved 1-1 draw has put Dijon in a great position to win the Ligue 1 relegation playoff and somehow survive to maintain their status in France’s top flight, an outcome that looked desperately unlikely a matter of weeks ago. DFCO cancelled out Lens’ early second half opener with an 81^st minute equaliser to put themselves in the driving seat. The cheeky chip from substitute Kwon Chang-Hoon gives them a slight edge in what is still a very even matchup.

A positive away performance

Not fancied for the first leg, Dijon put in a solid display causing Lens problems throughout, much to the frustration of the home crowd. They did not have as much of the ball as the hosts however they used it well when in possession and managed to get more shots in and shots on target, so it was not the backs to the wall job that some anticipated. The back line would have been happy with their evening only allowing two shots on target though unfortunately for them Runar Runarsson could only stop one between the sticks. Only an excellent solo effort from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde could prevent them from taking a clean sheet back to the Stade Gaston Gérard.

Recent form

Dijon recorded three impressive wins in their final three home matches, 2-1 over Toulouse and French League Cup winners Strasbourg and 3-2 over French Cup winners Rennes. DFCO though also have the joint-worst home defensive record in Ligue 1, only four clean sheets from their 19 fixtures conceding 1.53 goals on average. Lens’ away form leaves a lot to be desired additionally, they have only won three of their last 13 away from home, failing to score on seven of those occasions. Having said that they have won 100% of their away trips when they have scored first (eight out of eight). Both Blood and Golds playoff matches, the quarter-final and semi, finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, it is likely they will find themselves in familiar territory on Sunday. Statistics suggest the hosts will need to start on the front foot as they have scored first in five out of six of their home wins in Ligue 1 this season. History suggests they may do so because Dijon have taken the lead in all five of their home matches with Lens at the Stade Gaston Gérard.

Dijon’s attacking loss

DFCO’s top scorer in Ligue 1, Julio Tavares, will most likely miss the game just as he did the first leg. It remains to be seen whether Antoine Kombouaré will risk the Cape Verde international in by far the biggest match of the season.

The hosts to put in another good performance in their bid to pull off a remarkable escape from relegation. However, Lens will call on recent experience and take the game deep into extra time and possibly penalty kicks.

Dijon – Lens Betting Tip

Double chance Dijon to Win or Draw + Both Teams to Score with Bet365 at odds of 6/4.

Bet Double chance Dijon to Win or Draw + Both Teams to Score on Bet365