France - LNH Proligue, Round 30

GRAND BESANÇON DOUBS HANDBALL VS NANCY HANDBALL 17/05/2024 - 8:30PM

Finish in style
We've reached the final day of the championship. It's a particularly tricky day to decipher because there's no longer anything at stake for any of the teams. Besançon, in 8th place with 25 points, hosts Nancy, in 7th place with 25 points. So, here's what's at stake: that seventh place. But above all, it's about enjoying the game and giving the audience a good show before a long break without handball until September.

What usually happens on these final days is that players play more freely but are also cautious not to get injured for the next season. Consequently, defense is often lacking on this day. We might see many open matches ending with high scores.
In this particular match, we have two inconsistent teams facing off, and Nancy tends to struggle away from home. Given the expected lack of defense, the duelists and shooters will shine. Lucas Jametal should have a good time. It's surprising that he hasn't been renewed yet, given his more than decent season with Besançon, where he played as an impact player, often making the difference and creating imbalances. Negotiations must not have gone well. But we imagine he'll be eager to show what he's capable of before his departure. Martin Petiot should also enjoy shooting from long range. On the other side, there's Valentin Thibault, soon to be transferred from Angers. His low center of gravity will allow him to finish between two defenders with less opposing aggression. And if not him, then surely Rohnan Conte Prat. Finishing as the second-highest scorer of the championship with an average of 6.4 goals per match, he should get close to 10 goals this Friday.

So, what we'll see is a match with little defense and finally some unleashed attacks. The match should end with a home victory for Besançon, with a score that could be around 38 to 36. Besançon would therefore finish ahead of Nancy in the standings.


JS CHERBOURGEOISE MANCHE HB VS FRONTIGNAN THAU HANDBALL 17/05/2024 - 8:30PM

Teacher or student?
Given that Frontignan had the worst defense in the championship during the season, conceding an average of 32 goals per match, this trend is likely to worsen on this day. However, they also had the second-best attack in the championship, scoring an average of 34 goals per match. This means the match will likely be high-scoring.

But, it's important to note that both teams will be playing in the playoffs just four days later. Cherbourg will face Sélestat, and Frontignan will play against Pontault Combault in a two-legged match for a spot in the final four. Therefore, they are expected to rotate their squads significantly, giving playing time to those who haven't had much this season but could be key players in the playoffs.

For Cherbourg, one such player could be Dayann Lopez, an impact player with incredible explosiveness who could make a difference with a short stint on the court. Hence, Edu Fernandez is likely to give him some playing time this Friday.
For Frontignan, it could be Gaëtan Canton, who has had limited playing time behind the league's top scorer, Nathy Camara. Canton's speed could make him a key scorer for his team.

Additionally, Antonio Asier, the coach of Frontignan, should try to boost the confidence of Lucas Pellegrin, utilizing his long- range shooting skills. Pellegrin is expected to be used in this capacity on Friday.

There could also be a sub-plot to the match, despite the low stakes, as it pits Edu Fernandez, the coach of Cherbourg and former coach of Nice, against Antonio Asier, the coach of Frontignan and former assistant coach of Cherbourg's opponent that evening. They know each other's styles and tactics very well, although the main difference lies in their defensive strategies. Despite Asier's background as a defensive player under Fernandez's guidance, he has struggled to impart his defensive knowledge effectively.

Both coaches will likely want to prove, even in a friendly match, that they are superior to the other. My bet is on Cherbourg to win with a score of 37-34. The student still has much to learn from the master.


HANDBALL CLUB COURNON D’AUVERGNE VS BILLERE HANDBALL PAU PYRÉNÉES
17/05/2024 - 8:30PM

Celebrating the end of a career
Billere is in free fall at the end of this season, having gone five matches without a victory. They are currently in 9th place with 22 points and haven't rewarded themselves for their fine season. Just a few months ago, they were on track for the playoffs, but these hopes faded with their string of poor performances. They would like to finish on a high note, but it won't be easy against Cournon, who is having a strong debut season in the Proligue. They can finish 11th with a win.
As previously mentioned, it's a day with defenses lacking physical engagement. So, it's safe to say that the speed of the game for Billere should be emphasized. They will play their final game around the strong moments of Valentin Doudeau, alternating with combinations to launch their left backs into shooting positions.

As usual, the second half will be characterized by play around the pivot. Alexandre Aguilar should thus be regularly found. Reduced aggression will allow the passers to not be hindered in their transmissions and the pivots to more easily gain position with less combat. This would allow Billere to celebrate the final match of their coach Daniel Deherme.
On the other side, the relationship between the goalkeeper and the defenders will reduce the opposing offensive impact. While Lucas Musy will engage even more fiercely in his duels and frequently finish from 6 meters, a player like Mateo Grosjean might struggle against the density of the opposing defense and a lack of depth against this smaller-sized back. However, Laurent Lagier Pitre will more easily win his physical duels and should be one of the top scorers for his team.

Both teams will also be keen to celebrate two retirements: Sergio De La Salud for Billere and Zacharia N’Diaye for Cournon. These players, who have graced the courts of Starligue and Proligue, will hang up their boots after the match. Emotions will run high for these two players. The Spanish center should enjoy distributing a few more decisive passes in his last match.

With all these emotional parameters and lack of full engagement, we believe Billere will manage to finish on a high note. They should win with a score of 36-33. It'll be a beautiful final spectacle for the Auvergne audience, eagerly anticipating the start of the next season.


ISTRES PROVENCE HANDBALL VS MASSY ESSONNE HB
17/05/2024 - 8PM

Thanks Jeremy
During this final day of the championship, Istres will have their eyes set only on the final four. This match against Massy will therefore not be easy to approach. Massy, who are certain to finish second, will likely make significant changes to their lineup to avoid risking their key players. Vincent Gérard might be left on the bench, especially considering he wasn't fully recovered from his minor injury. Consequently, we should expect to see the impressive Jean Philippe Takania stepping onto the court. This young pivot, emerging from the training center, has an impressive stature. He should get plenty of minutes to gain more experience and possibly contribute to the team during the final four. The young right winger Thomas Martinon might also get some playing time. While he may not be a game-changer yet, gaining experience is crucial for his future development. Therefore, we anticipate a significant lineup rotation orchestrated by Gilles Derot.

On the Massy side, however, they will be eager to celebrate Jérémy Hakkar, their retiring goalkeeper. Having spent many years guarding Massy's goal, he will hang up his gloves after this Friday. Undoubtedly, he will want to deliver a stellar performance. Given his extensive experience in the Proligue, he should anticipate well and be quick on the opposition's shots. We can expect him to make over 10 saves. Another key player for Massy is leaving as well. Pierre Halimi has decided to move to Valence, marking the departure of two emblematic figures from the club. This loss of experience could pose a challenge for Massy in future Proligue seasons.

Nevertheless, Massy should capitalize on Istres' lineup changes to try to secure a satisfying victory in their final match. Jérémy Hakkar, aiming to conclude his career on a high note, will be decisive and lead his team to victory with a score close to 33-32.


SARREBOURG MOSELLE SUD HANDBALL VS VALENCE HANDBALL 17/05/2024 - 8:30PM

A well-deserved vacation
Sarrebourg would like to finish in the top 10. However, to achieve this, they must secure a victory in this final match against Valence. Playing without any stakes and in the heated atmosphere of Sarrebourg's arena, the ingredients for success will be easier to assemble at home than away. Valence won't come to play the role of sacrificial lambs, but they might find themselves at the mercy of Marius Randriantseheno and his teammates.

This will be the last game for Louis Despreaux, the right-back who will be playing in the Liqui Moly Starligue next year with Pays d'Aix. He will be eager to demonstrate his prowess in long-distance shooting, having proven himself as one of the best right-backs at this level week after week. Like Dylan Grandjean, he will have one last chance to bid farewell to the home crowd before departing. Grandjean, the captain of Sarrebourg, will also play his final minutes in the yellow and blue colors. It will be a fitting final battle to say goodbye to everyone: the fans, the volunteers who contribute so much to the club. These two men know how to show respect, and they will undoubtedly play crucial roles in their team's victory, alongside Marius Randriantseheno, who is having his best season yet. He will likely finish as the 4th or 3rd top scorer in the Proligue, despite not necessarily taking penalties. Facing Valence's weaknesses in duels, he should enjoy himself and score more than 8 goals.

On the other side, Valence is wrapping up a well-managed year with their maintenance secured well in advance. However, the pace of the game should, for once, favor Sarrebourg. Valence may find themselves punished on the break, with Aboubakar Fofana, who impressed against the French national team, continuing his long-range efforts, albeit with little support. This lack of solutions might leave them vulnerable on the defensive transition.

Sarrebourg will be able to celebrate a season that had a very rough start. However, Arnaud Calbry managed to bring out the best in each of his players, leading to a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the season. They thoroughly deserve their place and should emerge victorious on Friday night with a score of 38-32. It's now time for a well-deserved vacation.


SÉLESTAT ALSACE HANDBALL VS CAEN HANDBALL
17/05/ 2024 - 8:30PM

Find the X factor
Sélestat is gearing up to face Pontault Combault in the playoffs. But before that, they need to contend with Caen in their final regular-season match. It's an opportunity to maintain some rhythm and give playing time to substitutes who might prove decisive in the playoffs.

On the other hand, Caen, having secured their survival in the last few rounds, are playing more relaxed and are already looking forward to a more successful season in 2024-2025.
This makes the match difficult to predict. Sélestat's central back, Tom Vinatier, who has been in incredible form, is likely to see reduced playing time to conserve energy for the playoffs. Hugo Van Ee is expected to get some minutes on the court to showcase his skills. In the playoffs, all scenarios are possible, so coach Laurent Busselier will need all his players. Identifying the X-factor is crucial, just as they did two years ago when they surprised everyone.

This X-factor could be Oreste Vescovo. Since Hugo Pimenta's long-term injury, this young right-back has been getting more playing time. His explosiveness makes him a surprising and challenging player to defend against. He is likely to demonstrate his full potential against Caen. However, Caen won't come as sacrificial victims. They seem to enjoy playing in their new game plan. Allan Villeminot and his teammates should arrive full of enthusiasm and surpass 30 goals.

Ultimately, we don't necessarily see a loser in this match. Sélestat's excellent formation means even the young substitutes will contribute. Therefore, we anticipate a draw with a score around 33-33. Sélestat can then fully focus on Pontault, who have been preparing for their match for a week already.

TREMBLAY-EN-FRANCE HANDBALL VS ANGERS SCO HANDBALL 17/05/2024 - 8:30PM

The freeway of goals
Here's to finish the season, a match with a particular feel. Tremblay, having almost won everything and preparing to seek the Proligue title during the final four, faces Angers. They are at the bottom having lost almost everything.
It should be a mere formality for the suburban team. Cherif Amani should distribute playing time to maintain rhythm for their goal. Their weekend in Sélestat has been booked for a long time now. They just need to be ready and conclude by seizing the title they have earned.

Angers, on the other hand, announces a major change in personnel. Therefore, they should not fight too hard for the SCO banner. Even Maxence Rizzi, the Angers goalkeeper who has been with the club since a young age, is not retained.
Issam Tej and his management will thus try to launch a new dynamic, a new chapter following a complicated season that will result in administrative and financial survival. They have been saving themselves through paperwork for a long time. However, this does demonstrate the club's true sustainability. Let's hope this changes in the future.

But as we mentioned, we don't expect Angers to invest too much in this match. And facing the best attack in the league, it's likely to hurt. Tremblay should surpass 40 goals and quickly overwhelm their opponents. The Angers coach may shout from the sidelines, but he won't be able to do anything. His players will surrender and prepare for their vacations before heading to new destinations.

The scoresheet should be filled on the Tremblay side. Each player should score a goal and celebrate a season of high quality. This will be the last for their fans, who will have to travel to Sélestat if they want to accompany them to the end.
A goal parade for this last match where Tremblay should win 42-30. We're getting closer to records for goals in a match at this level. Now, it's time for the final four for the suburban team.