Caen are excellent value to secure a home win against an in-form but injury-ravaged Rodez side on Saturday evening in France’s North.

On paper, this has the makings of a tight match given that Caen have lost two of their last three games and their opponents are one of the league’s form teams. RAF have pieced together an outstanding eight-match undefeated run that has the minnows pushing for a promotion play-off spot.

Rodez, though, come into this game in trouble. They were 3-1 up at home against Quevilly last weekend but collapsed after goalkeeper Sebastien Cibois went off injured. In came third-choice keeper Enzo Crombez for his first 25 minutes of professional action and he conceded twice. It looks probable that he will start this game.

The visitors are further troubled by defensive issues. Kevin Boma is suspended, Joris Chougrani is injured and Eric Vandenabeele is unlikely to start given he has been missing since August with a serious knee injury and has featured only for the reserves. Right back Lucas Buades is also out. Caen are not the side to be weak defensively against. Striker Alexandre Mendy is the league’s top scorer with 19 goals. They might have lost 1-0 to Bordeaux last weekend, but they still created an xG of 1.2.

As one of the teams with the lowest budgets in the league, the depth that they have in the squad could be better.

Complicating matters more for Rodez, meanwhile, is that Caen have refused permission for their top scorer Andreas Hountondji to play. The 12-goal forward is on loan from the Normandy club.