Bastia - Guingamp predictions and free betting tips [28/10/2023]

We're headed over to the region of Corsica, home to the club Bastia, which isn't far from the back end of the table. That said, given the density in rankings, they could easily slide their way to being alongside the top group. Coming to pay a visit to the Blues is Guingamp, who are currently higher and present a better record than the Corsicans in the first half of the Ligue 2 season. Let's start with the squad line-ups and then we will find a suitable bet for this clash between the Corsican club and the Brittany-based team.

Bastia

The Blues almost always operate from a defensive stance because any other style proves uncomfortable for them. This mode of play, devised by Régis Buwar, works for keeping them away from the exclusion zone, approximately mid-table, but aiming for anything more will be out of reach for Bastia, who manage around 2-3 goal attempts per match. The Blues have been scoring points for two consecutive matches now. They managed to outplay Ajaccio at home, and there was a draw with Rodez in the last round, which was barely earned as the hosts created ample opportunities but only scored once - in the second half.

If we pay attention to the Bastia squad, I would highlight the defence, bolstered by an additional central defender, whilst the midfield is always crowded with free zones, from which the Blues opponents launch their attacks. Perhaps the 5:3:2 layout doesn't quite suit Bastia, but it remains favoured by Régis Buwar. He's the head coach, after all, and it's up to him to decide which formations the Corsican footballers, who struggle in many respects, will be practising.

From a personal perspective, there isn’t anyone I would single out from the key players of Bastia. However, I can commend the young Guinean forward Fasinet Kon, who has for the first time at a professional level scored 5 goals, and in only 8 matches no less. "

It seems that Guingamp would be a suitable opponent for the Blues to seize points from. However, they need to adopt a highly reliable defensive approach and swift attacks utilising the likes of Kon and whoever he is paired with. It’s possible that Buwar will once again turn to forward Julien Majotti, as there doesn’t appear to be a stronger alternative.

Guingamp

Guingamp often performs well in certain stretches of the first half of the season, but there are also lapses that set the team off course in their battle to make the top five. The team, led by Stéphane Dumont, has dropped numerous points in rather harmless circumstances.

For instance, two previous draws could have been victories for Guingamp, but up against Grenoble, there was a lack of goal execution, leading to an own goal by Maxime Sivis. Meanwhile, in the clash against Quevilly Rouen, the Brittany side conceded a goal at the 90 4-minute mark by the substitute midfielder Logan Deloriere-Shobayer.

Overall, I am confident that Dumont and his players won't be near the bottom of the table. However, they can get a grip on the top five, provided they stabilise their results since there are far too many absurd losses and draws that could have been wins.

Stéphane Dumont recognises that the selection of players under his management is suitable for adopting an attacking style, but the 'Guingamp' coach doesn't trust that his players will be able to operate at an energy-intensive pace. So, he pulls back Amani El Ouazzani to the midfield, whilst Amadou Sanya is similarly pushed up, but still maintains the role of a left attacking midfielder. Perhaps this may sound somewhat amateurish, but it's more important for 'Guingamp' to perform substantial work on the opponent's half and preferably using a formation with three forwards.

Bastia will definitely play as the second-best team, meaning that Guingamp has the chance to show their attacking skills against a more defensively oriented team.

Match prediction: Bastia - Guingamp

Guingamp has a sound defence, even though I only highlight the attacking capabilities of the Brittany matter. I believe Bastia will play from the back, and it doesn't seem to me that the Blues will be able to respond with a well-orchestrated attack, especially if their opponent scores first. My bet is on Guingamp to win to nil.