Daily Tipping 
/ Jonno Turner / 13 February 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Monaco's battle against another relegation looks set to last the season
Jonno Turner is backing Bastia to go top of Ligue 1 with victory at once-great Monaco, while he expects Napoli to recover some momentum against Chievo...
Well the African Cup of Nations 2012 came to an end last night with one of the dullest final 90 minutes ever recorded, followed by a gem of a penalty shootout which led to a Zambian victory.
Stunning and magical were some of the superlatives used to describe it - but enough about Gervinho's hairline.
We're off to France for our first pick of the week and Ligue 2, as struggling Monaco host Bastia at the Stade Louis II.
Monaco have featured a lot in this column over the last few months, and although Marco Simone's side have undergone a mini revival in recent weeks, they still find themselves rooted in the relegation zone, with time running out.
But although Simone seems to have managed to stop the rot of late, his side still can't turn that hard work into wins, and they have not taken three points on their home patch since September.
And this evening they welcome third-placed Bastia, who will jump to the top of the table if they can secure a win in the casino district.
Boss Frederic Hantz has seen his side win five of their last six league games, and that is the kind of form which will take them to the Ligue 2 title come the end of the season.
Two clean sheets in three away games show that Les Bleus are solid away from the Stade Armand Cesari, and the Corsicans have lost only once in their last four league games on the road.
Monaco really need to start winning their home games, and I think that could leave them susceptible at the back, especially against a side with as much quality as their opponents tonight.
Bastia hotshot Toifilu Maoulida has scored in his last two games, and with eight goals smashed so far this season, he is always a danger on the attack.
Bet 1: Bastia (AWAY) to win @ [2.86]
Note to self: Valentine's Day tomorrow. Last year I told my girlfriend I'd give her a ring - but she got really mad when she answered the phone and I was in Tenerife.
Over to Italy now, where Napoli will be looking to continue their excellent home record as they face Chievo at the Stadio San Paolo. The hosts have lost just once in their last dozen home games, and that impressive form has seen them to seventh in Serie A despite some mixed results on the road.
And boss Walter Mazzarri will be desperate for his side to keep their third clean sheet in a row at the San Paolo tonight. His side certainly don't have any problems on the attacking front, and have smashed 11 in their last five on their own patch.
Chievo travel to Naples keen to arrest a slump which has seen them crash to three defeats in four in all competitions - a worrying slide which has knocked them out of the top half.
Domenico Di Carlo's side are now just nine points above the drop zone, with a third of the season left to play, and the Flying Donkeys need a result to lift them from the mire.
Unfortunately, I don't think it will come at the San Paolo, and with five winless games from their last seven away from Stadio Bentegodi, confidence will be low in the visitors' camp.
I fancy the home win here, and with Napoli desperately needing three points in order to cling on to their diminishing hopes of a top-three finish, I think that the home side will oblige.
Bet 2: Napoli (HOME) to win @ [1.55]
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