Playing first can cut both ways for Red Star | OneFootball

Red Star are the only Ligue 2 top-five side playing on Friday, facing Laval at 20:00, and they will open the run-in with the value of going first up for debate.

L'Équipe notes that the question of playing before or after direct rivals resists neat answers, and with Reims and Saint-Étienne on Saturday and Le Mans on Monday, Red Star will set the tone for the rest.

Head coach Grégory Poirier says any effect depends on the score, adding that the influence is likelier on those who follow than on his team. He stresses a focus on their objective, plan and performance, and says there will be no talk of others before Friday’s match.

Olivier Dall'Oglio says it is hard to make a rule. He prefers to play first, get his result, then watch the rest, while accepting he might be wrong. The 61-year-old has two promotions with Dijon and Saint-Étienne.

He considers the timing double edged. A win can load pressure onto rivals, a defeat can give them a lift. In the end, the remedy is simple, win, whether you play before or after.

Source: L'Équipe