Angers vs Lorient Preview: Team News & Prediction
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With their ‘second season syndrome’ kicking in, Angers could well be set for a long and hard struggle as they prepare to take on Lorient at Stade Raymond Kopa this weekend.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1 pass / US – beIN Sports Connect
Angers preview: Struggling Angers
Under the management of Alexandre Dujeux, Angers overperformed last season to sit firmly in the middle-of-the-table in Ligue 1 but they head into the ninth match day of this campaign sitting in the bottom two and the automatic relegation places.
The home team come into this one on the back of a 1-1 draw with Monaco, who were in Sebastian Pocognoli’s first game in charge. Angers went behind before snatching a point with an 85th minute equaliser scored by Sidiki Cherif.
Lorient preview: Newly-promoted Lorient
As a part of the Black Knight Group alongside Auckland and AFC Bournemouth, Lorient will believe that their smart off-field business will majorly help them survive this season, following their promotion from Ligue 2 last season.
They have started this campaign with two victories, two draws and four defeats in their opening eight matches. The visitors most recently shared a thrilling 3-3 draw with Stade Brest at Stade du Moustoir last weekend.
Angers team news: Several doubts
The hosts are dealing with several doubts for this weekend as Emmanuel Biumla remains potentially unavailable alongside the likes of Himad Abdelli and Pierrick Capelle.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Koffi; Arcus, Camara, Lefort, Hanin; Belkdhim, Mouton, Belkelba, Raolisoa; Sbai, Cherif
Unavailable: Allevinah (Injured)
Questionable: Abdelli (Injured), Biumla (Injured), Peter (Injured), Capelle (Injured)
Lorient team news: Lots of issues
Lorient are dealing with a few key issues for this weekend’s trip to Angers with Isaak Torue and Trevan Sanusi confirmed abentees, with key men such as Panos Katseris and Bandiougou Fadiga doubtful.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Mvogo; Meite, Talbi, Faye; Le Bris, Avom, Abergel, Kouassi; Makengo, Pagis; Bamba
Unavailable: Toure (Injured), Sanusi (Injured)
Questionable: Adjei (Injured), Katseris (Injured), Fadiga (Injured), Karim (Injured)
Angers vs Lorient prediction
With their home advantage, Angers will believe they have a very good chance of taking the game to Lorient and sensing an opportunity get a pivotal three points against what is a side that should be struggling. However, if Lorient can tighten up at the back then they have shown real quality in attack and potential, with their eight Ligue 1 matches having consisted of 31 goals. They are a team that appear to be getting towards being good, up against a very poor Angers side.
Angers vs Lorient tip: Double chance – Lorient to win or draw
