Toulouse take a break from Ligue 1 action to square off against Rouen in the Coupe de France round-of-32 on Sunday.
At a time when Toulouse are down in 14th position in the top-flight standings, the home side occupy sixth in National 1, the third tier of French football.
Match preview
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Having won this competition in 2022-23 and earning a place in the Europa League, replicating their efforts this time around was always going to be difficult for Toulouse.
However, supporters would not have expected it to take a 1-0 win at Metz last time out to move the club outside of the relegation zone, as well as registering just their third league victory of the campaign.
By guiding Toulouse through to the Europa League playoff round, Carles Martinez Novell's position as head coach remains safe for now, but there will be an acknowledgement that things need to improve in the long term.
There have been signs of progress, though, even in defeats to Monaco in Ligue 1 and Paris Saint-Germain in the Trophee des Champions, Toulouse only going down 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.
Toulouse stated the defence of their trophy with a 3-0 victory over Chambery earlier this month, creating an opportunity to post three consecutive wins for the first time this season.
From Rouen's perspective, they have already played three times to reach this stage, registering victories over Stade Pontivy, GSI Pontivy and Louhans-Cuiseaux.
Each of those triumphs came away from Stade Robert Diochon, but they now have a chance to face top-flight opposition at their home ground in this competition for the first time since playing Angers at the same stage in 2020.
In the league, Rouen have also recorded three wins in a row either side of the Christmas and New Year break to move into sixth place.
Although head coach Maxime D'Ornano has witnessed his side score just 24 goals in 17 league matches, Rouen have conceded only 13 times at the other end.
Team News
While Novell will select a strong Toulouse XI for this contest, it would be a surprise if one or two alterations were not made.
Yann Gboho has recently arrived from Cercle Bruges and could be handed a first start, potentially on the left flank ahead of Cesar Gelabert.
Deputy goalkeeper Alex Dominguez may also come into the side, but Novell could decide to stick with the rest of the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, there is every chance that Rouen line up as they did against Marignane GCB last time out, although Mohamed Ouadah may feel in line to to earn a recall in the final third.
That would lead Eldji Dia at risk of dropping out of the attack, despite scoring in two of the previous three rounds.
Rouen possible starting lineup:
Maraval; Bouzamoucha, Sanson, Bassin; Sy, Benzia, Bezzekhami, Kabongo; Benkaid, Dia, Loppy
Toulouse possible starting lineup:
Dominguez; Kamanzi, Mawissa, Nicolaisen, Suazo; Sierro, Casseres, Spierings; Donnum, Dallinga, Gboho
We say: Rouen 0-2 Toulouse
With Rouen having recently impressed either side of the Christmas and New Year period, this will not be a routine win for Toulouse. Nevertheless, we expect the visitors to run out victors in the end, potentially with a goal in each half.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
