LNH DIVISION 1 – Round 16
CESSON RENNES MÉTROPOLE HB VS USAM NÎMES GARD
08/02/24 CET 19:30
Perfect equality?
Despite their defeats in the French Cup, both teams made a promising return with an interesting quality of play. In the French Cup, Cesson narrowly lost by only 3 goals to Toulouse in a tightly contested match, while Nîmes suffered a significant downturn in the final 10 minutes of the first half, leading to an 8-goal gap. Yann Balmossière couldn't counter this slump. Now, they face an uncertain match in the championship.
The Nîmes' movement-based game could pose problems for Cesson. Their fierce defensive determination to stop the opposing ball through maximum neutralizations may be exposed too much to achieve their goal. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on
playing through the pivot. Tom Poyet, often unsuccessful in shooting but frequently found, may be replaced this time by the warrior Swiss Army knife of this Nîmes team, Benjamin Gallego. He is finally back after long months of absence, and his commitment is bound to help the Usamists achieve better results. Against Cesson's style of play, he could be his team's top scorer this Thursday. However, it's essential to note that the absence of Boïba Sissoko, who regained his form at the end of 2023, may significantly affect Nîmes' offensive impact.
On the other side, Rémi Salou will reunite with his former teammates. Having just scored 6 goals in the French Cup, he must replicate that performance against Nîmes if Cesson hopes to win. His long-range play and darts launched from over 11 meters are challenging to defend against. Only the goalkeeper can nullify this impact, and in this case, the goalkeeper knows him very well from their time together in Nîmes. Otherwise, the defensive philosophy of the Gard team is similar to that of the Breton defense. Thus, everything will depend on the team that can avoid being buried with the ball in hand to develop a continuity of play that will provide solutions.
We therefore expect a very close match, where betting on the significant odds of a draw is possible. At least, that's what we think.
US CRÉTEIL HANDBALL VS CHAMBÉRY SAVOIE HB
10/02/24 CET 19:00
A surprise to kick things off?
Créteil, currently in the relegation zone, faces Chambéry, who regained confidence during the latter part of 2023. After a challenging start to the season, they picked themselves up and racked up victories to eventually find themselves in the middle of the championship with 16 points. The first leg match ended with a comfortable 9-goal win for the Savoyards. But what will happen after this international break, during which the Chambéry coach, also an assistant coach for the French national team, was replaced by Raphaël Planchet in his own club?
Chambéry's expansive style of play will once again create spaces for the strong moments of Sebastian Skube. He, being instrumental in initiating the first duels, should alternate attacks against the different Créteil defenders. The Chambéry backcourt players are expected to exploit the external intervals once again. The performance of Créteil's goalkeeper is crucial in thwarting this Savoyard team. While Samuel Deen should perform well, it might be more challenging for Dylan Lopez. Chambéry's left back, Alejandro Costoya, is expected to score numerous times in the 1-2 interval. However, the quality of movement from Créteil's defenders will pose challenges for their opponents. They should focus on the pivot's strength against the number 2 defenders. No doubt, Erick Mathé will have identified this weakness and should deploy Hugo Brouzet, his pivot, on the number 2 positions.
On the other end of the court, Créteil often forces the initial intentions. Chambéry must be very attentive from the outset as Fernando Barbeito's men rarely transition to secondary plays. Their strength lies in their relationship with the central pivot. However, the lack of depth from Chambéry should limit this connection and open up long-distance shots for Kylian Rigault or Bruno Butorac, the right back, on the crosses.
Therefore, be wary of this restart match where we could see Créteil kickstart their 2024 season and emerge victorious against the challenging Chambéry playstyle. It all depends on the individual and relational success of the suburban team. The margin will be slim in a match with around 30 goals.
DUNKERQUE HANDBALL GRAND LITTORAL VS HBC NANTES
09/02/24 CET 19:00
Northern paradise
Paradise, yes, but more so for the Nantais than for the Dunkerquois. Indeed, in this duel, we have one of the worst attacks in the championship against the best defense in the championship. And the match will be played exactly on this parameter.
Dunkerque's wide play and their desire to place the pivot intelligently in the 1-2 interval will pose some difficulties for the Nantes defense. But it won't last long. Unfortunately, they won't be able to win all their duels. We can see both central defenders Jean Loup Faustin and Obryan Nyateu trying with heart. Against his former club, "OB" can assert his power. But this will only last for a while, as all the Nantes defenders are rather mobile and comfortable in duels. And even if they succeed regularly, they still have to overcome one of the two goalkeepers behind. At the moment, Ivan Pesic is in the spotlight. He is imperious, as his 14 saves made this weekend in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France prove.
As for the absence of Kauldi Odriozola, it has been immediately compensated for by Théo Avelange-Demouge and his 12 goals in the Coupe de France as well. Absences do not necessarily lead to a drop in level for the Nantais. Positions are doubled or even tripled.
What to do then? Defensively, the Dunkerque central defense lacks depth. And there we will easily see Jorge Maqueda and Thibaut Briet score from long distance with their qualities. They won't be bothered because the three rear players can't put in more volume to avoid being isolated. If they make this choice, they will be pierced by one-on-one situations.
So, little chance of seeing a surprise this Friday evening. However, we can see the Nantais winning while keeping Dunkerque to 24 goals and scoring more than 35.
MONTPELLIER HANDBALL VS US IVRY HANDBALL
09/02/24 CET 19:00
Champions return
Here comes the champions back to Montpellier after a break that saw the fantastic victory of the French team at the Euro. Charles Bolzinger, goalkeeper, Yannis Lenne, right winger, Valentin Porte, right back, and Karl Konan, exclusive defender, return to Montpellier this Friday evening with their morale sky-high. Although Patrice Canayer, the Hérault coach, couldn't work with his team during January, he welcomes back some euphoric players.
They face, on this matchday, their nemesis from the past few years. They have always struggled to beat Ivry. Their fairly similar styles of play don't seem to suit them. Even though matches often end in a victory for Montpellier, the games are always tight. Will it be the same this Friday?
Montpellier's game, based on strong moments around one-on-one situations accompanied by a reading game, should still be productive. Indeed, attacking the two low defenders of Ivry is a source of success. The small-sized Montpellier players will put Gautier Loredon and Simon Ooms, Ivry's central pivot, in difficulty. The long absence of Kylian Villeminot may disrupt Montpellier's plans in the long run, but for the first match back in the championship, there shouldn't be any fatigue. However, one can imagine this becoming an issue in a month's time with the physical decline of the internationals.
As for Ivry, they have had a month to work collectively and therefore develop their overall game. Their game is also based on duel work before initiating the reading game. Only the continuity and individual technical qualities differ from MHB. Karl Konan should still bury the ball regularly and thwart Ivry's collective game. And what a player Karl Konan is. As an exclusive defender, he showed at the Euros that he is one of the best defenders in Europe.
Montpellier should therefore win, but in a tough match with a margin of 2 or 3 goals at the end. However, both teams should easily surpass the 30-goal mark.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN HANDBALL VS C’CHARTRES MÉTROPOLE HANDBALL
09/02/24 CET 19:00
Prandi we say yes
Of course, we say yes. We are the European champions thanks to his cannon shot that is circulating on sports social networks in France and beyond. What power he displayed. Imagine the power he will unleash now that he has increased his confidence if he maintains very high goals. This can take him very far. C'Chartres will have to mobilize to try to restrict his impact in the game and in scoring. This duel should not pose a problem for the Parisians as they continue their stroll at the top of the championship.
Despite Dominik Mathé's knee injury with his national team (which he is unlikely to play for Paris again), and despite the lack of common work during this international competition, PSG remains in control. The strong moments of Luc Steins combined with the contribution of "the bison" Elohim Prandi from afar bring many goals. Ilija Abutovic, the Chartraine defense specialist, should find himself in difficulties facing all the possibilities of PSG. The danger indeed comes from everywhere, and that's where they derive their strength. And against a Chartraine team that has been decimated since the beginning of the season, goalkeeper Milan Bomastar is likely to be pierced in all areas. On the other hand, a positive point, the return of Adrian Figueras to the pivot position. He has already allowed his team to win at the end of the season in Saran in a high-stakes match. He should therefore bring a more significant focal point inside to allow the back shooters more freedom from afar. Will Serbgyi Onufriyenko remember his good years at PSG? Perhaps, because like a Nikola Karabatic at Paris, he continues to contribute offensively with his crafty long shots and his relationships with the pivot. Chartres' attack should therefore also be in form.
We therefore expect a Parisian victory mastered by more than 7 goals in a high-scoring game that could reach 41-34.
SAINT-RAPHAËL VHB VS SARAN LOIRET HB
09/02/24 CET 19:00
Watch out for changes
Saran, currently in relegation territory, aims to kick off their 2024 year on the right foot. They had the entire month of January to prepare with their new coach Jérémy Roussel. We are eager to see the changes that will be brought to Saran's game. Perhaps a more substantial use of Pau Oliveiras as a playmaker or the integration of young players from the training center to bring a new energy. Jeremy knows these young players well, as he was their former coach in the training center. On the other hand, Saint-Raphaël has had a consistent half-season but can aim for even better results and target the top 5 of the championship. At the moment, they are 6th with 17 points. So, this match at the Krakowski Sports Palace promises to be full of lessons.
Focusing on the game, Saran's defensive weakness against pivots could be their downfall. Indeed, the very good relationship between the Saint-Raphaël back players and their pivots like Jonathan Mapu or Johannes Marescot is likely to come into play again, with the physical advantage clearly in their favor. The defenders from Loiret will need to lower their center of gravity if they wish to have any chance of controlling them slightly. The only drawback for Saint-Raphaël is that their game, mainly focused towards the center, will bring a lot of density and allow Saran to support each other more easily. It is in this sense that Saran has a chance to defend well.
On the other side of the court, it's the opposite. Saran, who exploits the wings well, should feel comfortable against the 1-2 interval often left open by Benjamin Braux's players. This might be a choice adapted to the qualities of their goalkeeper. However, against Saran, it is preferable to defend wide because they lack impact in the center, with Tom Robyns more of a passer than someone who penetrates the spaces.
But we believe the difference will mainly be made in Saran's attack-defense transitions, which will be exploited by Saint-Raphaël's strong moments, especially with Jose Maria Marquez at the end of the fast break in the axis of Saran's defense. Théo Clarac is likely to be often caught off guard.
Therefore, we see Saint-Raphaël winning by 5 goals, scoring more than 35 goals.
FENIX TOULOUSE HANDBALL VS LIMOGES HAND 87
11/02/24 CET 16:00
Defensive intentions for victory
Toulouse, eager to secure a podium finish in the championship, must restart with full force. They are currently just 1 point away from third place and 3 points away from second place. However, this is clearly not the easiest match to tackle after the break.
Toulouse's defense and their height may occasionally be challenged by the pivot play. In this regard, Tomislav Kusan, the Croatian international pivot for Limoges, showcased all his qualities during the Euro. He, who was often penalized in the past, has refined his game, becoming decisive only during key moments and refraining from engaging in unnecessary battles. Against the movements of the 3-back defense around him, he must be able to exploit his positional gains in depth or with subtle shifts to get free. However, caution is needed not to force plays, as Toulouse is adept at capitalizing on turnovers and launching counterattacks. Limoges must read the openings correctly to avoid being punished in open space.
On the other hand, Limoges's defense lacks intent. The opposing play is often precise as the timing and reading are rarely disrupted. Toulouse's slick play with modern and team-specific movements finds favor due to the technical quality of players like Ayyoub Abdi. They should, therefore, find solutions. However, they must also contend with the challenge posed by Limoges' goalkeepers, who frequently unsettle opposing shooters with their exploits.
The match is expected to conclude with a close score but with a victory for Toulouse in the end. However, the possibility of a draw cannot be ruled out in this clash of contrasting styles.
PAYS AIX UNIVERSITÉ CLUB HANDBALL VS DIJON MÉTROPOLE HB
09/02/24 CET 19:00
Relegation warning
What about the match when we've just learned that Aix is facing relegation? Indeed, the National Commission for Assistance and Control of Management (CNACG) was forced to impose sporting sanctions for violations of the financial regulations of the LNH. For Aix-en-Provence, the sanction is a firm deduction of 4 points and a measure of relegation to a lower division at the end of the 2023-2024 sports season. The financial situation of the Provençal club therefore seems critical at this time. However, this decision is taken on a provisional basis and will be re-examined by the CNACG starting from May 31, 2024, for confirmation, modification, or cancellation, in light of any new information obtained. What reactions will the players have to all these new announcements? It's not easy to know, but it could impact their mental commitment to the game and the concentration they will be able to maintain on the 40x20. Even though the saying goes that one should leave their worries at home before playing, we know very well that it's unrealistic. Naturally, humans are affected, so athletes will be too.
And yet, it's a match against a team that is fighting against relegation, but on the field. Not in the offices. Indeed, Dijon is last with 4 points, 2 wins away from safety.
On the field, the dueling strength of the Aix players should leave the Dijon players stunned. The onslaught will come from Ian Tarrafeta in his role as center-back, but also from Sime Ivic, the right-back who possesses a true dueling quality that is too often underutilized, in our opinion. The breaches can therefore open up everywhere, but also inside with two imposing pivots on the gain of position. The Dijon players have too many shortcomings in the defensive sector to aim for better results. Certainly, the attack will defend itself around a dynamic game, focusing on the strong moments of Steeven Bois or Malo Lignières through their duels or their blocks on 4, but this should not compensate for their defensive mistakes.
Therefore, we see Aix-en-Provence winning nonetheless in a high-scoring match with more than 34 goals for both teams.