Angers play host to Reims on Sunday afternoon looking for the win that would likely take them off the bottom of the Ligue 1 standings.
In sharp contrast, the visitors are currently sitting in sixth position, helped by holding champions Paris Saint-Germain last time out.
Match preview
© Imago
With Reims having earned ninth place in Ligue 1 last season under a different head coach, the foundations had been laid for Luka Elsner to pick up where Will Still had left off.
That is exactly what he has done, bouncing back from an opening-game defeat at Lille to put together a four-match unbeaten run.
The run of games have been far from easy, too, with the two victories under their belts coming against the likes of Rennes and Nantes.
Far more impressively, though, Reims have earned a 2-2 draw at free-scoring Marseille and held PSG to a 1-1 draw in their home encounter last weekend.
Although a clean sheet is yet to be recorded this campaign, this looks like a side that are capable of challenging for the European spots later in the season.
Newly-promoted Angers have far different aims to that of their next opponents, particularly having started the campaign in the manner that they have.
Three successive defeats, where they scored just the one goal, left Alexandre Dujeux's side on the back foot from the outset, yet they have managed to respond since the international break.
Draws against Strasbourg and Nantes, each by 1-1 scorelines and having come from behind, have been posted to keep Angers within a point of the teams directly above them.
On a positive note, seven teams have a worse defensive record than Angers, highlighting they have the potential to turn a corner if they can improve in the final third.
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Team News
Barring any injury issues, Dujeux may be prepared to select the same Angers XI for the third game in a row.
In the last two games, Dujeux has not made an alteration until at least the 70th minute, highlighting that he is showing preference to stability.
Justin-Noel Kalumba and Joseph Lopy could be the solitary duo to miss out for Angers.
There is also little reason for Elsner to change any of the Reims players who started the draw with PSG.
However, defender Nhoa Sangui and midfielder Teddy Teuma are both in contention for recalls having been dropped for that match.
Angers possible starting lineup:
Fofana; Arcus, Biumla, Lefort, Hanin; Aholou, Belkebla; Allevinah, Abdelli, Melali; Dieng
Reims possible starting lineup:
Diouf; Buta, Kipre, Agbadou, Akieme; Edoa, Fofana, Munetsi; Ito, Diakite, Nakamura
We say: Angers 1-2 Reims
With both teams having put together unbeaten runs of varying lengths, this could prove to be a lot more competitive than many are anticipating. Nevertheless, boosted by the confidence gained from the PSG game, we are backing the visitors to edge this contest by the odd goal in three.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
