Friday Football Tips: Ref shouldn't stop 4/1 card punt

Reims v Marseille
Friday 23 April, 20:00
Live on BT Sport 3

Let's cut straight to the chase - a cards bet makes appeal in Friday's Ligue 1 game and here's why.

Marseille's defensive midfielder Pape Gueye has been carded in 11 of his 24 starts this season, yet he's on offer here at 4/1 to collect another.

There is a reason - of sorts - for this pricing.

The referee taking charge of this game is Eric Wattellier, Ligue 1's most lenient, at least when it comes to showing cards. He averages just 2.47 per game.

However, there is also every reason to suggest Wattellier will struggle to keep his cards in his pocket in this game.

Reims and Marseille are the bottom two in the Ligue 1 fair play table with no fewer than 15 red cards collected between them so far this season.

Gueye's Marseille side top of the league for yellow cards received (80 in 33 games) and they will be desperate for a result here as they bid to continue their push for Europe.

The 22-year-old averages 2.3 fouls per 90 minutes this season. He's also played the full 90 in 11 of Marseille's last 12 Ligue 1 matches so he should have a shot at adding to his card collection here.

Yes, the referee appointment doesn't help but should Gueye be 4/1 for a card? I think the answer is no and that makes a bet at the price worthwhile.

Check out this weekend's tips from the Football...Only Bettor podcast team!