There are notes on Orleans within the Nancy-Niort and Red Star-Auxerre previews above. They have a point on board now, their first of the season, from last week , but it was fortunate and they are additionally lucky to have "only" conceded 11 goals at the rate of 2.75 pg, so far !

 

Paris FC had a really strong return to Ligue 2 last season and were far removed from the team who came up in 14/15 and surrendered that hard earned status so timidly , playing almost every game scared until it was too late. They were far stronger and more adventurous last season, were in playoff contention almost all campiagn, but eventually ran out of steam and finished 8th, but plenty to build on. I was not the only one impressed and mid campaign I wrote ..........

 

PFC are 10-7-1 since mid August, a loss to Sochaux where they did not play great, but we can forgive anyone an off day and to be fair, they could have, perhaps , should have won a couple of those draws and they have played at a high level for more than half this season.

They are unbeaten through five competitive starts, along with three clean sheets and have a very solid base to start from this time round, having said that, they did lose their head coach and top scorer, but Mecha Bazdarevic (pictured) who was in charge of the Bosnian national team is now at the helm, is very experienced and has 10-11 years coaching in France on his CV and just about the same as a player, he has a reputation for getting his teams well organised defensively. The club look to have recuited well again ( see above) and striker Yannick Mamilonne (on loan from Amiens) is a good target man, already has two goals to his name and Adama Sarr ( 10 goals for relegated Bourg Peronnas last season) look good additions,add in Dylan St Louis (8 goals and 6 assists in 35 appearance) and they pose a solid goal threat. We "know" that PFC and Bazdarevic will get things right at the other end of the pitch. They have yet to trail in any game, could easily have a 100% league record (led in two draws) and this is the time of year ( see above) that they really came on strong last season. PFC are short in the left back position tonight and might have to play a CB or left sided midfielder there, but only have one recognised senior LB anyway, so must have a plan and cover they are happy to go with and it is not enough to put me off. Orleans remain without left sided midfielder Ousmane Cissokho, he scored in 5 of their wins last season and they are 2-2-8 in 2018 without him.

 

 

 

 

Orleans : Renault, Gallon – Mutombo, Monfray, Lecoeuche, Pinaud, Furtado – Bouby, Demoncy, Lopy, Avounou, Ziani, Talal – Laurienté, El Kouhmisti, Le Tallec, Perrin, Tell.

 

 

Paris FC: Dilo, Ovono, Kanté, Bong, Rufli, Yohou,Nomenjanahary, Akichi, Mandouki, Azevedo, Lopez, Bougrine, Kerrouche, Kouamé, Ourega, Mamilonne, Saint-Louis, Sarr.