Caen easily avoided relegation
Caen was the only one of the promoted teams that managed to avoid relegation, and they did with ease. During the whole campaign, except for the minor crisis at the start of the year 2008, the team played some good football, especially at home where they were force to be reckoned with. The team had big help from their fans, and they defeated much stronger teams in front of the home fans. Caen finished the season on comfortable 11th place, which marked the end of a very good season for the club. Key player last season was Yoan Gouffran, a very talented forward who played 22 games for national team at under 21 level. He contributed last season with ten goals, but was also the provider for his fellow strikers. Ha was transferred to Bordeaux this summer, and this will be a big loss for the team.
Gouffran out, Savidan in
Best player Yoann Gouffran left the team and that was a big loss. But another excellent goal scorer was brought to replace him, and that is Steve Savidan, who has proven himself at Ligue 1 during the past few years with Valenciennes. The defense lost a good right back Cedric Hengebart to Auxerre, but he was replaced with Pablo Barzola who could be a very useful addition. The midfield area stayed almost the same with the addition of exciting youngster Van La Parra who arrived from Feyenoord. Argentinean winger Juan Eluchans will be of great importance to the team. He created a lot of chances for strikers last year, and with his direct running he will create a lot of problems for the opposition defenders. Benjamin Nivet’s experience in the middle of the park will mean a lot to the team this season.
In
Steve Savidan (Valenciennes)
Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Angers)
Pablo Barzola (Argentinos Juniors, ARG)
Rajiv van La Parra (Feyenoord, PB)
Damien Perquis (Beauvais)
Alexandre Raineau (returned from loan at Libourne)
Stephane Zubar (returned from loan at Bruxelles)
Out
Yoann Gouffran (Bordeaux)
Cedric Hengbart (Auxerre)
Issam Jemaa (returned from loan Lens)
Stephane Samson (Reims)
Guillaume Quellier (on loan at Reims)
Benoit Costil (on loan at Vannes)
Thomas Heurtaux (on loan at Cherbourg)
Oumar N'Diaye (on loan at Vannes)
Mid table finish for Caen
The team easily avoided relegation last season, and this one will be easier as they now have some experience of playing in Ligue 1. The team is solid defensively, while midfield is the same as last year. The team likes to play attacking football, especially in front of the home fans, and their midfield players are capable of creating a lot of chances for the strikers. Juan Eluchans will once again be the main provider, while Steve Savidan should make sure for the goals. He will fit the attack minded Caen team perfectly, and will score a lot of goals. Caen has great fans who create an amazing atmosphere, and they will pick up a lot of points at home ground. They will have some troubles when playing away from home, but the team will not get into relegation battle. We predict another good year for Caen, and they will probably finish in mid table.
Our tip: Caen to finish mid table
Odds
Bookmaker: Bet365
CL
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UEFA
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