GCK Lions vs. La Chaux-de-Fonds Prediction, Tips & Odds – Dec. 23, 2021

After two defeats in a row away from home, understaffed GCK Lions return to their ice to host third-placed La Chaux-de-Fonds. Guests have stabilized their form recently, with five consecutive wins finally showing improvements defensively. This Thursday, they will look to continue with good results and take advantage of the numerous absences the Lions are dealing with.

La Chaux-de-Fonds has seriously stepped up their defense lately, which has resulted in much better results. After four consecutive and convincing wins, they even managed to beat the strongest team in the league, Olten, two days ago(3:2). Recent results and defensive improvement should not be too surprising as they received a top-tier goalkeeper in Viktor Ostlund ten days ago. Along with some important defensemen returning from injuries, he has been the biggest reason for their recent rise in form.

On the other hand, GCK Lions recent performances have been affected by a lot of absences. Some of their youngsters, including Baechler, Meier, Graf, Henry, and Falus, are with their national teams at the World Junior Championship while Aeschlimann, Backman, Sopa, and Marchand have been called up by the parent club Zurich. Along with the injuries of Mettler, Suter, and Widmer, they are currently forced to play without more than half of their standard lineup.

Until some of their juniors return from the World Championship, they will have a tough time winning points, especially against top teams in the league. Their last two heavy defeats vs. Langenthal(7:1) and Visp(5:2) have exposed all the weaknesses they have at the moment. It is hard to believe it will be any different against La Chaux who are a class above them and are finally looking like a title contender after an extremely unstable first half of the season.

GCK Lions vs. La Chaux-de-Fonds Prediction

Even though the Lions have a solid home record, their current roster situation is not looking promising. Faced with numerous absences they should once again struggle against the in-form guests who will also be looking for revenge. The last time these teams met the Lions caused a huge upset and won in La Chaux´s arena after an improbable third-period comeback.

This time scenario should be completely different so we suggest betting on the away team to cover the spread and win. Asian line protects us and gives us a refund in case of a one-goal win by La Chaux-de-fonds.

Prediction: Asian Handicap – HC La Chaux-de-Fonds (-1.0)
Odds: 1.80
Bookmaker: bet365

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