Dunkerque vs Valenciennes Prediction & Betting Tips (17 February)

After being completely in the lurch throughout the first part of the season, USL Dunkirk is giving itself the right to dream of remaining in this winter period. Invigorated during the holidays and boosted by the arrival of several recruits during the transfer window, the Maritimes have just scored 3 consecutive victories against Ajaccio 2-0, Paris FC 1-2 and Saint-Etienne 1-0 before having to settle for of a draw against Rodez last weekend 0-0. Thanks to this good series, the partners of veteran Gaëtan Courtet have returned to only 3 points from the first non-relegation place. The enthusiasm which reigns on the side of Dunkirk does not really spread a few kilometers further south, on the side of Valenciennes, which seems still in very bad shape in the fight for maintenance. The Hainaut club is still bringing up the rear in the standings with only 15 points on the clock after 24 days and it is undoubtedly too far behind by 12 points on the first non-relegation team.

Ahmed Kantari's men had a little breath of fresh air by winning against Bastia 3-1 but they quickly became disillusioned by losing to Concarneau 1-0. Finally, last weekend, they had to share the points with Laval 1-1. At the same time, the Northerners are still in the running in the Coupe de France where they will challenge Rouen in the quarter-final at the end of the month.

On the Maritimes side, the new starting central defenders who arrived this winter Bessile and Ba as well as the youngest Fernandez have yet to give up participating in this match, all injured at the moment. They were joined in the infirmary by starting goalkeeper Balijon who quickly left his place against Rodez last week.

Otherwise, winter recruits such as Gbamin, Maurer (2 goals) or Courtet (1 goal) could be started, all of whom have contributed to breathing new life into this formation.