Pau vs Bordeaux Predictions

• Pau have just one win in their last four matches, a penalty victory over fifth-tier Sablé in the previous round of the cup, and have failed to beat three teams below them in the league in that time. 
• Bordeaux have won just one of their last six matches and have scored more than twice in just one match since October. 
• Pau haven’t got past this stage of the competition in any of their last 10 attempts.
• Both teams have scored in five of Pau’s last six matches.

Pau looking out of puff

Pau currently sit fourth in the third tier of French football but will be looking to make up the difference here as they face top-tier Bordeaux. Pau had a far easier tie in the previous round as they beat fifth-tier Sablé but with them only scraping past the minnows on penalties, they will have to put in a far better performance here or face elimination. 

Les Capbourruts actually come into this match in rather poor form with the penalty win their only ‘victory’ in their last four matches. They have faced some difficult opponents like seventh-placed Boulogne (0-0) and fifth-placed Lyon Duchère (1-1) but really have been quite off the boil generally with their defeat to third-bottom Le Puy (2-3) showcasing that. 

Pau will be the home side for this match but they really haven’t been at their best in front of their own fans over the last few weeks, with just one win in their last five at the Stade du Hameau. They have scored eight times in this run but have also let in eight goals, which has held them back and this could get even worse as Ligue 1 Bordeaux come to town.

Bordeaux looking for a break from the league

Bordeaux were rather confident in the previous round of the competition as they dispatched Ligue 2 Le Mans 2-0. However, this type of performance has been somewhat of a rarity for them in recent weeks, as they have lost five of their last six matches in all competitions. 

Away from home, they have been particularly poor with four losses, two draws and 11 goals conceded in their last six matched on the road. They’ve managed to score three in reply but that just hasn’t been enough to beat anyone in recent weeks. Even sides like Nice (13th at time of match) and Brest (15th at time of match) have managed to steal points off les Girondins, so they should be wary here as they travel to Pau.

Ligue 1 side to show their class?

Neither side are in tremendous form but with the hosts not even being able to beat teams below them in their own division, we’re edging this one in favour of the visitors. Bordeaux have been pretty awful on the road so we doubt they’ll steamroll the third-tier minnows here, especially given  they’ve just two clean sheets in their last 10 matches.

Pau have also scored in all but one of their last 15 games so we’re backing them to get on the scoresheet yet ultimately lose 2-1. Bordeaux have only scored more than twice in one of their games since October and with their poor away form, we think it’ll be tight but ultimately go the way of the Ligue 1 team.