A clash between two of Ligue 1’s struggling clubs should see Strasbourg prove too strong for Angers at home, despite Julien Stephan’s side having won just a single match all season. Racing will need no reminder that that success was against Angers away from home.

The home side are in a better position with regards their squad, which should give them a decisive edge for this match. A number of defensive injury problems remain for the hosts, yet their squad otherwise looks strong, and while the coach may well indulge in some rotation ahead of the midweek round of Ligue 1 matches, the depth they have to call upon is far better than Angers’.

Indeed, the visitors look like they will be down to the bare bones for this encounter. Morocco World Cup stars Sofiane Boufal and Azzedine Ouhani will miss out once again, while a handful of first-team players will not even travel for this game while other regular starters are expected to be left on the bench. In effect, Angers are expected to start with a virtual reserve squad.

Strasbourg need to get some positive momentum going and are well capable of doing so. They have scored exactly two goals in four of their last six Ligue 1 matches and only need to get their defence in order to see a sharp turnaround in their fortunes. Stephan will hope the spark can come from a Coupe de France victory on Friday evening. Angers, who have lost their last nine, certainly look appealing guests.