Le Havre will try to dig themselves out of the Ligue 1 basement on Sunday when they head to Stade Raymond Kopa for a date with Angers.
An early goal in the second half last weekend sent Les Scoistes to a 1-0 defeat versus Lens, as they sit 13th in the table, nine points above the Normandy club, who lost by that same score to Brest.
Match preview
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After a rough beginning to the 2024-25 top-flight season, Angers have adjusted to the higher level of play over the past two months.
Their domestic campaign began with just four points from their first eight games, but they enter this weekend having won three of their previous four league contests.
That has given them some much-needed breathing room in the table, with Alexandre Dujeux's men currently seven points above the relegation line.
Angers have won consecutive home matches in this competition, failing to concede a single goal in both of those instances.
With a mere two goals conceded in their last four Ligue 1 affairs, they boast the best defensive unit in the French top flight this year, posting two clean sheets along the way.
Le SCO have won four of their last five meetings with Le Havre across all competitions, as many as they managed in their previous 27 matches against them.
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The relegation hole for Le Havre has gotten deeper and deeper with each week, as five points currently separate them from Ligue 1 salvation.
Their winless run now sits at eight matches across all competitions, while they have collected just one point in their last seven league contests.
They will play two consecutive Ligue 1 games away from home, where their last four points in this competition have come from.
On Sunday, Le Club Doyen have a chance to earn points in consecutive top-flight away fixtures for the first time since April 2024.
With 13 points after 19 matchdays, history suggests that Didier Digard's men face an uphill battle to remain in Ligue 1, as the five previous sides that had the same tally as them at this stage of the season were all relegated.
Les Ciel et Marine have never lost an away match in the top flight this century against a newly promoted team, claiming at least a point on eight successive occasions.
Team News
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Last weekend, Angers were without Justin Kalumba because of an ankle injury, and the club dismissed Lois Diony over a suspected betting breach.
From matchday 18 to 19 of the Ligue 1 campaign, only two newcomers saw the field for them, with Jacques Ekomie and Yassin Belkhdim coming on as substitutes for Florent Hanin and Jean-Eudes Aholou last weekend.
In their previous encounter, Le Havre did not have Daler Kuzyayev available due to a knock, Abdoulaye Toure was sidelined with sore ribs and Elysee Logbo sat out with a shoulder strain.
A foot issue kept Yann Kitala away from the field against Brest, while Samuel Grandsir had an illness and Etienne Youte Kinkoue was forced out with a yellow card suspension, though he could return on Sunday.
Angers possible starting lineup:
Fofana; Arcus, Biumla, Lefort, Hanin; Aholou, Belkebla; Allevinah, Abdelli, Ferhat; Lepaul
Le Havre possible starting lineup:
Gorgelin; Nego, Salmier, Lloris, Zouaoui; Diawara, Targhalline; Casimir, Joujou, Soumare; Ayew
We say: Angers 1-0 Le Havre
Le Havre have consistently been the worst attacking unit in Ligue 1 this season, while Angers are growing in confidence despite their defeat last week, and we expect to see another frustrating affair for the visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joel Lefevre
