Bordeaux v Newcastle: French side to break long record

The winner of this contest claims top spot in Group D, yet with both teams already qualified, Newcastle have got more pressing matters than a dead-rubber in south west France to concern themselves with.

Bordeaux are nailed on at 8/11 with Alan Pardew likely to rest a host of key players ahead of their trip to Fulham which means the Toon’s lofty 7/2 should be disregarded.

The French club also have revenge on their mind after the Magpies ended their 17-match unbeaten run in the second round of group games, cruising to a 3-0 win on Tyneside.

Girondins have rediscovered some of that excellent form in recent weeks, losing one and winning five of their last seven games.

Four of these victories came without conceding a goal and, with finding the back of the net a big problem for Newcastle, the home win to nil at 2/1 looks an excellent bet, while the 5/4 on offer for them to keep a clean sheet is also great value.

However, it’s important to consider Bordeaux’s dreadful record against English opposition before running down the bookies with a wheelbarrow loaded with cash. In nine attempts, they’re yet to better a team from across the Channel, but they’re very well placed to make this the tenth time lucky.

In addition to Newcastle’s current issues, the Ligue One side are unbeaten in their last 11 European fixtures at the Stade Chaban Delmas, winning the last eight on the spin.

A further boost to the home team’s chances is that the Toon haven’t won a single away match all season.

Their lack of away wins is compounded by a shortage of clean sheets (just the one) so it’d be somewhat of a shock should the hosts fail to score at least once, but Newcastle’s refusal to roll over makes the 12/5 for a home win with fewer than 2.5 goals scored well worth a few quid.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date