Rodez host Paris FC at Stade Paul Lignon in Ligue 2 on Tuesday (May 21). The two sides are bidding for the third qualification slot to Ligue 1, which will be decided by the promotion playoffs.
The hosts ended the regular season in the fourth place with 60 points, to earn qualification for the promotion playoffs semifinal. Three teams – third-placed Saint-Etienne and fifth-placed Paris FC – will compete in the mini tournament, with the winner qualifying for the top flight. R
Rodez beat Paris 1-0 at home in their last meeting but lost 2-0 to them in the away fixture. The hosts wrapped up the regular season at home with a 2-0 win over Ajaccio after dropping four points in their previous two matches.
Paris, meanwhile, finished one point shy of Rodez (60-59). The visitors haven't played in Ligue 1 since the 1978–79 season. Winning the three matches of the playoffs would seal their return, but it appears a tall order for head coach Stephane Gilli and his charges.
Paris snatched a point on the road at Bastia in their final game of the regular season. They have won once, drawn twice and lost twice in their last five away games.
Rodez, meanwhile, have won thrice, drawn once and lost once in their last five games at home across competitions.
Rodez vs Paris FC Head-to-Head
Rodez have won twice, drawn once and lost once in their last five clashes with Paris across competitions.
Rodez form guide (all competitions): W-D-L-W-W
Paris FC form guide (all competitions): D-W-L-W-L
Rodez vs Paris FC News
Rodez
The hosts will miss the services of five players due to injuries: goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, Sébastien Cibois, Eric Vandenabeele, Joris Chougrani and Lucas Buades.
Injury: Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, Sebastien Cibois, Eric Vandenabeele, Joris Chougrani and Lucas Buades
Doubtful: None
Suspension: None
Unavailable: None
Paris FC
Right-Back Sofiane Alakouch have been dropped due to injury concerns alongside Lamine Gueye and Pierre Yves Hamel.
Injury: Sofiane Alakouch, Lamine Gueye, Pierre Yves Hamel
Doubtful: None
Suspension: None
Unavailable: None
Rodez vs Paris FC Predicted Xls
Rodez: (3-1-4-2): Ewen Jaouen (GK), Bradley Danger, Stone Mambo, Raux Yao, Akim Abdallah, Dembo Sylla, Giovanni Haag, Waniss Taïbi, Lorenzo Rajot, Andreas Hountondji, Killian Corredor
Paris FC (5-3-2): Obed Nkambadio (GK), Jules Gaudin, Timothée Kolodziejczak, Moustapha Mbow, Kouadio-Yves Dabila, Lohann Doucet, Cyril Mandouki, Vincent Marchetti, Ilan Kebbal, Ayoub Jabbari, Nouha Dicko
Rodez vs Paris FC Prediction
In 18 clashes, Rodez have emerged with six wins as opposed to seven for Paris. The visitors can put up a fight, but Rodez will feel more comfortable at home.
Paris will hope to improve their away form to expect a good result at Rodez, where they have failed to pick any points in their previous two visits. Rodez are expected to prevail based on home advantage.
Prediction: Rodez 2-1 Paris