LNH DIVISION 1 – Round 27

ESSON RENNES MÉTROPOLE HB VS PROVENCE AIX UNIVERSITÉ CLUB HANDBALL - 02/05/ 2024 - 8:30PM

The 3 Musketeers
Cesson is once again facing difficulties with only one victory in their last 5 matches. Despite their game seeming to stabilize and the arrival of Alejandro Romero, who provided saves every weekend, with Arnaud Tabarand alternating. Unfortunately, this stability didn't last. They are now in 11th place with 20 points and are facing Aix, who have won their last 3 matches, all by just one goal. They are hard to predict. What's certain is that they have a winning trio when Romain Lagarde is injury-free. While it was initially thought that the duo of Ian Tarrafeta and Gabriel Loesch needed to be split, they've proven to be quite effective together, almost like musketeers. They come to Brittany aiming for a fourth consecutive victory, but it won't be easy. The match, like their recent outings, is expected to be closely contested. Aix tends to adapt to the level of their opponent, which has made them inconsistent throughout the season. Their rotations don't allow them to maintain a high level of play, partly due to egos rather than skill levels. Each substitute wants to make a difference when on the field, which disrupts the team's balance. Managing frustrated players must be challenging, likely stemming from communication issues. Roles aren't accepted, leading to players underperforming. This frustration is evident during matches and likely amplified during training. However, their individual qualities should keep them competitive in Brittany, with the match likely to be decided by fewer than two goals. On the other hand, playing time has been evenly distributed, with each player contributing. Sébastien Leriche's challenge lies in finding consistent performers, as it varies from match to match, and in securing crucial saves from goalkeepers to win games.

The final result will depend on this. Aix will win if their goalkeepers perform poorly, with a save rate below 30%. Conversely, if they exceed 30%, they will assist their teammates in securing victory in a match likely to be decided by fewer than two goals.


C’CHARTRES MÉTROPOLE HANDBALL VS FENIX TOULOUSE HANDBALL 03/05/2024 - 8PM

Preparing for the 2024 - 2025 season?
Chartres hasn't been winning for 6 matches now. Their season has been characterized by alternating series of defeats and victories. The upcoming match against Toulouse won't be easy, especially after their surprise loss at home to Saran. As previously mentioned, they don't have much left to play for. However, the absence of Jeff Lettens increases the likelihood of unexpected outcomes. Yet, Toulouse now sees Limoges closing in at just 3 points behind. Despite having a comfortable lead, it's crucial for them to gather points again. This will secure their fourth-place position, which they've held for several months now. Their pride, coupled with Danijel Andjelkovic's active leadership, should prompt a reaction. The absence of two players shouldn't result in such a drastic difference in performance. However, it's evident that Toulouse is already preparing for next year. They're also missing their captain and prolific scorer, Nemanja Ilic. Nonetheless, much playing time is being given to the young right-back, Uros Mitrovic. As the logical backup to Ayyoub Abdi, Mitrovic should logically see significantly more playing time next season. Danijel is increasingly experimenting with him for this purpose. Ayyoub Abdi no longer plays 60 minutes, even in crucial moments. This 19-year-old Serbian right-back is poised to become a key player in the squad next season. His mobility and good dueling skills are assets, but he needs more minutes to enhance his game reading and understanding.

It's in these circumstances that Toulouse currently finds itself. Consequently, the upcoming match against Chartres is expected to be another tight and complicated affair. Chartres is hopeful for their first points in their new arena. We anticipate a match that will be decided in the final seconds. If Jeff Lettens returns, they should secure a victory, otherwise, they might suffer a narrow defeat.


US CRÉTEIL HANDBALL VS LIMOGES HAND 87
02/05/2024 - 8:30PM

The energy of maintenance
Créteil had hoped that their victory against Ivry would lift them out of the relegation zone. However, Saran's remarkable performance against Toulouse dashed those hopes. The Créteil team remains just 1 point behind Saran, the first team outside the relegation zone, but they have closed the gap and are now just two points behind Ivry. Hosting Limoges could be a significant opportunity for them to finally escape the red zone. However, Limoges continues to fight for an official place in European competition, which would elevate the status of this young club. With a strong commercial presence, Créteil could potentially accelerate their partnerships and begin to challenge their rival, the iconic basketball club CSP Limoges. Limoges is now just three points away from fourth place, despite their recent loss to Nantes. While there was hope for an upset, it only lasted for 45 minutes as Nantes took the lead and held onto it until the end, winning 33-28. This still highlights the current quality of Limoges' game.

An intense match awaits, especially since Créteil welcomed back Kylian Rigault, whose last-second goal secured their victory against Ivry. They will fight until the end, drawing on their experience in tough contests. Led by their captain Valentin Aman, they are resilient fighters who could potentially spring a surprise this Thursday. However, they will still rely on a stellar performance from their goalkeeper. Dylan Soyez has been delivering outstanding performances, showcasing his resilience after overcoming testicular cancer. He is expected to make more than 10 saves and help his teammates secure a victory with a scoreline around 33-31.


DIJON MÉTROPOLE HB VS PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN HANDBALL 05/05/ 2024 - 5PM

Clash of extremes
It's the clash of extremes as Dijon, currently last in the standings, faces Paris, who are leading the league. Despite Paris Saint-Germain's struggles in European competitions and their disappointment at losing the French Cup final to Nantes, they remain focused on securing another French championship title. This is likely their only title opportunity this year, especially after their defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League. In the domestic league, however, they've been dominant with just one loss. With a 3-point lead and four matches left, they have a comfortable buffer, but they can't afford any slip-ups. Luckily, their remaining fixtures are favorable, with away games against Dijon and Créteil, and home games against Nîmes and Aix. This should pave the way for them to clinch the title.

The return from injury of David Balaguer and Yoann Gibelin should provide relief for key players, especially combined with the presence of Nikola Karabatic, who aims to finish his illustrious career on a high note. He deserves to bow out with another championship title, especially with the upcoming Olympics in France. Handball fans eagerly anticipate his farewell at the Accor Arena, where PSG will face Aix for their final game.

The stakes are high, and Paris's teammates recognize the importance of securing a triumphant end to Karabatic's career. They will fight hard in every league match to ensure a happy send-off.

Unfortunately, Dijon might have lost all hope after last weekend. Their defeat, combined with victories for Saran and Créteil, has pushed them back to the bottom of the table, trailing the non-relegation spots by 3 points. It's a significant blow for them. Paris is expected to win comfortably, likely with a scoreline around 34-26, paving the way for a glorious finish to the season.


DUNKERQUE HANDBALL GRAND LITTORAL VS SAINT-RAPHAËL VHB. 03/05/2024 - 8PM

A story of strength
Dunkerque, currently 10th with 21 points, faces Saint-Raphaël, just ahead in the standings with 25 points. To end the season on a positive note, the northern team can hope to close the gap on their opponents. Otherwise, they risk slipping further down the table. Losing to Paris was expected, considering Paris's pursuit of the title. Saint-Raphaël suffered a last-minute defeat despite being slightly ahead, failing to score in the final two minutes. They now find themselves alone in the standings with Dunkerque, both trailing the leaders by 3 points.

This won't be an easy match, likely characterized by tough defenses. Both teams have similar defensive profiles, emphasizing strength over mobility. It's expected to be a battle of physicality, with players like Benjamin Afgour imposing themselves against the opposing defense, alongside Johanes Marescot and Jonathan Mapu. They should all hold their ground against their counterparts. However, Dunkerque's defense tends to be flatter and more cooperative, while Saint-Raphaël's defense is more staggered. Finding the right balance between offense and defense will be crucial for both teams.

On one hand, Dunkerque's wide gameplay and fluid transitions could exploit the opposing defense's lack of mobility. On the other hand, Saint-Raphaël's unpredictable Micke Brasseleur could break through Dunkerque's defense.

That's why we expect Dunkerque to win, unless Saint-Raphaël's right-back delivers an incredible performance, as he occasionally does. The match is likely to end with a scoreline around 30-28 in favor of Dunkerque.


HBC NANTES VS CHAMBÉRY SAVOIE HBMAY. 04/05/2024 - 9PM

Just enjoy
Nantes continues to impress with their mastery on the court. Their victory against Limoges serves as proof, following their French Cup final win and their European League triumph against Berlin. The Limoges match was the quintessential trap game before their return leg against Berlin. Despite being behind at halftime, they turned the tables. Their bench depth and flawless execution of handball tactics allow them to string together victories. This time, they face another tough challenge with the visit of Chambéry. However, playing at home in the always electric H Arena will provide them with the energy they need. Chambéry, on the other hand, managed to secure a win against Dijon, a tightly contested but ultimately controlled match. We're eager to see Gregory Cojean's strategies to neutralize Chambéry's left-handed players. Gustavo Rodriguez, the Brazilian right-back, and Antoine Tissot, filling in for Benjamin Richert on the right wing, have both been impressive. Even though Dijon managed to block the wings, Rodriguez exploited the imbalances created by crossing over to showcase his long- distance shooting prowess. However, given the mobility of Nantes' defense, we anticipate that the impact of this right-back should be diminished. Conversely, the defensive weakness of Valero Rivera on the playmaker position will open up opportunities for the wingers. Tissot is expected to capitalize on these spaces and continue his incredible aerial feints to beat Nantes' excellent goalkeepers.
Despite this, Chambéry's attack is likely to hover around the 30-goal mark.

On the other side, Nantes' bench depth allows them to always find solutions, maintaining a consistent level of play even with substitutions. Their collective gameplay, characterized by alternating movements and isolations, provides numerous scoring opportunities. Against Chambéry, Aymeric Minne is expected to once again play a pivotal role in securing victory, supported by Alexandre Cavalcanti.

Therefore, Nantes should emerge victorious on home turf with a scoreline around 34-30. PSG cannot afford any mistakes if they wish to secure the title.


USAM NÎMES GARD VS US IVRY HANDBALL. 04/05/2024 - 8PM

Bis repetita ?
And yet another one-goal defeat for Ivry. The third in a row. This young team struggles to manage momentum shifts and thus the ends of matches. The absence of Aymeric Zaepfel in the last match was keenly felt. Antonin Mohamed found himself somewhat isolated on the backcourt despite Léo Martinez's return. But above all, there is a noticeable lack of incredible serenity. The upheaval in the squad surely doesn't help. They must pull off a feat against Nîmes this time if they wish to secure their survival. But on the Gard side, it's quite the opposite. An experienced team that just won by two goals against Chartres. There was a lack of control, admittedly, as they were up by 7 goals at halftime. But they know how to manage the ends of matches. They say never say never, but is there a sequel to this?

Perhaps not in the scenario, but Ivry should once again lose and hope that those behind them don't win. The absence, as mentioned earlier, of the left-back causes them problems. Consequently, they lack long-range impact. So despite their very dynamic gameplay, defenses don't need to put in much volume and can end up trailing in depth without it posing a problem. Furthermore, USAM is very mobile defensively. It's been part of their DNA for years. They've often produced players of small stature but always highly mobile. So they should be comfortable against Ivry. Certainly, Antonin Mohamed will score a few goals, but that won't be enough.

The Nîmes attack is getting the job done at the moment. Last weekend it was Quentin Minel with his 10 goals. This time it should be Jean Jacques Acquevillo and his powerful duels. They'll alternate between one-on-one play and 2-on-1 situations around the pivots. Benjamin Gallego or Tom Poyet should be regularly served deep in the Ivry defense.
USAM should therefore continue to fight for a European spot. They're expected to win with a scoreline around 33-29.

SARAN LOIRET HB VS MONTPELLIER HANDBALL. 05/05/2024 - 5PM

Geniuses?
Montpellier boasts two geniuses. Of course, there's Patrice Canayer, an incredible coach who always manages to find solutions for big matches. And on the field, there's Stas Skube, an excellent game organizer and decisive passer. His mobility and ball distribution ensure that Montpellier's play is always in motion. That's indeed their strength. Opposing teams rarely neutralize their players because they consistently make the effort to move the ball and maintain continuity in their game. They demonstrated this over the weekend against Cesson's project, ultimately winning 37-29. And this came just three days after their magnificent 39-30 victory. Superlatives are almost insufficient to express what they've achieved. They're on the verge of securing a spot in the Final Four, but they'll need to finish the job on Thursday in Kiel. Once they reach the Final Four, we know what they're capable of. In a single match, Patrice Canayer can concoct strategies against any formidable team. We certainly hope for their success, not only for them but also for French handball. As for Paris, they're unlikely to make the trip to Cologne after their heavy defeat against Barcelona.

Next, Montpellier will face Saran before the international break. Their commitment may not be as intense as it was in Kiel, but their assured confidence from their expected qualification will allow them to control the match. Even though Mohamed Mamdouh and William Accambray may reminisce about their European glory days, with each having been Champions League winners, Montpellier's speed and all-around play will overwhelm Saran. Lucas Pellas and Yannis Lenne are expected to lead their team in scoring once again.

Therefore, Montpellier should comfortably win the match, with a scoreline around 35-28 as the game progresses.