Predictions, betting odds, lineups, preview

Angers SCO come into this with little momentum, having picked up just one point from their last three league games and failed to score in two of those games. Strasbourg’s recent league form has been more productive, with three wins in their last five, although they lost at home to Toulouse last time out. Head-to-head record also suggests this could go either way, with both sides winning away from home in the last two meetings.

Angers SCO’s best course seems to be keeping things compact and trying to make the most of home advantage, especially after a run that has included a goalless draw and a 0-3 defeat. Strasbourg have shown they can score in bursts, but their results at home haven’t been flawless, so it doesn’t look like an outright win away from home. Match prediction: Angers SCO 1-1 Strasbourg

Forms guide and team overview

Angers SCO

Angers SCO’s recent form in the league has been spotty, with no wins in their last five. They drew 1-1 with Le Havre and 0-0 with Olympique Lyonnais, but also lost 1-2 to Rennes, 0-3 to Paris Saint Germain and 1-3 to Auxerre.

This run points to a team that has struggled for consistency at both ends of the pitch. The clean sheet against Olympique Lyonnais shows that they can hold their own in a game, but the lack of goals in the biggest defeats is a concern.

Angers SCO Last 5 results

Strasbourg

Strasbourg’s league form has been stronger overall, with three wins in their last five. They beat Lorient 3-2, Nice 3-1 and Nantes 3-2, but also lost 0-3 to Rennes and 1-2 to Toulouse.

This suggests a team capable of scoring regularly, but not always in control of games. The recent home defeat to Toulouse is a reminder that they are not entirely safe, although their offensive performance has generally been better than that of Angers SCO.

Strasbourg Last 5 results

Team news and injury report

Angers SCO

• Yassin Belkhdim (Arm Injury)

Strasbourg

• Emmanuel Emegha (Dead Leg)

Alignments and tactical configuration

Angers SCO (4-2-3-1)

Expected lineup: Hervé Koffi (Goalkeeper), Jacques Ekomié (Defender), Jordan Lefort (Defender), Marius Louër (Defender), Ousmane Camara (Defender), Amine Sbaï (Midfielder), Branco van den Boomen (Midfielder), Haris Belkebla (Midfielder), Lilian Raolisoa (Midfielder), Pierrick Capelleck (Midfielder), Pierrick (Midfielder).

Angers SCO’s predicted 4-2-3-1 gives them a solid foundation, with the two deeper midfielders likely to help protect the back four and keep Strasbourg’s attacking runners in check. The form should also leave P. Peter with the support of the three players behind him, which matters if Angers SCO are to convert possession into chances.

Strasbourg (4-4-1-1)

Expected lineup: Mike Penders (Goalkeeper), Abdoul Ouattara (Defender), Ismaël Doukouré (Defender), Lucas Høgsberg (Defender), Maxi Oyedele (Defender), Gessime Yassine (Midfielder), Mathis Amougou (Midfielder), Rafael Filipe Gonçalves AMifieldw Samuel Nanasi Attadresta Luís (Sebastian)

Strasbourg’s planned 4-4-1-1 should give them a balanced look, with the wide midfielders able to withstand both the press and the counter-attack. Sebastian Nanasi, who operates behind Yaya Diémé, gives Strasbourg a direct link between midfield and attack, which could be useful if they manage to get up front.

Battles and key players to watch