French Cup Semi-Final: Auxerre v Nimes

[daikoku]

Auxerre v Nimes (19:45 BST) 1.35 5.00 14.00

Well I'm not so keen on the home win in a competition that is notorious for giant killing. Nimes +1.25 could interest me for 2.04 on betfair but I'll most likely give this a miss. For those interested in the match here's a preview from Reuters....

Auxerre wary of minnows

AJ Auxerre are favourites to win their French Cup semi-final against third division Nimes on Tuesday (Wednesday morning AEST), but the Burgundy side are not taking anything for granted.

Auxerre have lifted the trophy three times since 1994, last winning it in 2003 when they beat Paris St Germain in the final, and Nimes would not normally be considered a problem for Guy Roux's team, who are sixth in Ligue 1.

Giant-killers Nimes will want to claim another scalp however, after knocking out St Etienne, AC Ajaccio, Nice and Sochaux to reach the last four.

"There are two Ligue 1 clubs (Auxerre and Monaco), one Ligue 2 side (Sedan) and a third division team (Nimes)," said Auxerre defender Jean-Sebastien Jaures.

"You can consider that we are the favourites but you must keep in mind that first division teams are often eliminated by lower division opponents."

"For example, we had to go through extra-time to beat (fourth division) Boulogne-sur-Mer in the previous round."

Auxerre came from behind to equalise in stoppage time before slotting the winning goal in the 98th minute.

"I'm rating our chances to qualify at 50 per cent," said Roux. "We are fully aware that we will have a tough challenge."

"We will be at home but as far as I know fans are not allowed on the pitch to score goals."

Roux will welcome the return of key players such as strikers Benjani and Bonaventure Kalou and midfielders Benoit Cheyrou and Teemu Tainio.

Captain Yann Lachuer will miss out, however, after sustaining a thigh injury last week.

"We are getting close to our aim," said goalkeeper Fabien Cool. "But there will be only one team who is going to win. So you always have to be wary."

On Wednesday (Thursday morning AEST), Monaco will host second division Sedan in the second semi-final.

The principality team, still in the race for a Champions League's berth, are keen to avoid finishing the season empty-handed.

"We have set our sights on this Cup," said international defender Gael Givet. "Last year was rather frustrating and we want to win something this time."

Didier Deschamps' team had to dig deep to overcome second division Clermont Foot 1-0 in the previous round and they will not be expecting an easy ride from Sedan.