Cast-iron defence, with only thirteen goals conceded in twenty-six matches. If only Red Star had a defence like that ! In comparison, our heros have let in fourty-nine, almost four times as many ! However, in attack, Istres have managed only two more than Red Star (28 to 26). This explains why Istres are going through a somewhat lean patch at the moment. They have only lost one game, however, but then again have drawn twelve games including the last one, a one-all draw at home to Pau. Red Star meanwhile have lost sixteen games, and are on a run of eight straight losses.
Reading these statisticns, don't expect a goal-feast at Marville on Saturday, but one never knows....
Istres have been there or therabouts for virtually all of the season, it reamins to see if they go the full distance. Grenoble, Amiens, Clermont and perhaps Brest are all breathing down their necks.
One thingthat stands out about both Red Star and their vistors is the pitiful support both clubs attract.
At Marville on Saturday, Red Star will be up against two old boys, namely captain David Guion and Aziz Belissaoui, the latter back after a lengthy injury. Last season, Red Star lost at home, and have lost both games away from home.
atthe helm since December 1999, Arnaud Dos Santos has bplayed at the highest level (Rouen, Monaco, Bordeaux, Troyes, Lille). He started as assistant coach at Lille in 1981 before taking sole control. From then he has been coach at Beauvais, Rouen, Lens and Amiens.
His target is to get Istres back to D2, from wheich they were last relegated in 1994.
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| Aziz Belissaoui | David Guion |