Angers vs Troyes Prediction: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals

The only thing on the line for Angers and Troyes in Saturday's Ligue 1 match at Stade Raymond Kopa is dignity. Given that both teams have been demoted to Ligue 2, this weekend's match presents a chance to put an end to extended streaks of losing by a large margin.

The fact that Angers finished last in Ligue 1 is hardly surprising given their very miserable season. Since September 30 and until 28 games later, they have only had one victory. Nearly as awful is Troyes' recent track record as Angers'. The team has only collected eight points and one victory in 20 games since the start of 2023, despite drawing last week with Strasbourg.

The biggest contributor to these two teams' struggles this season has been defence. The two Ligue 1 teams with the two leakiest backlines are Angers (79 goals surrendered) and Troyes (78 goals conceded). Both teams have had trouble defending this year, but Angers haven't been particularly dynamic in front of goal. Only Ajaccio, another relegated team, has scored fewer goals than their total of 31.With nothing to play for, we expect a relaxed game with goals from both sides. Ultimately, the away side may likely win the game. 

Although Angers' relegation to France's second tier was officially announced a while back, Alexandre Dujeux's team has yet to record a victory. Only three games have been won by Angers this season. Their lone success since the year's beginning is a 1-0 victory against Lille in early April.

With last week's draw against Reims, the Black and Whites earned their first point since April, ending a five-game losing streak. As they host a team that has already lost its top-flight status, their farewell game at Raymond Kopa should serve as inspiration.

The fact that Angers has lost more games (13) and given up more goals at home (35) than any other Ligue 1 team makes them an underdog on Saturday.

Last week, Yahia Fofana took Paul Bernardoni's spot in goal; but, on Saturday, the regular goalie should be back in the lineup. Injury has kept Souleyman Doumbia, Amine Salama, and Faouzi Ghoulam away from Angers, and the trio is set to be sidelined this weekend as well.

Angers' possible starting lineup:

Goalkeeper: Bernardoni

Defenders: Thioub, Valery, Hountondji, Bamba, Sabanovic

Midfielders: Abdelli, Mendy, Hunou

Strikers: Sima, Niane

Troyes failed to advance past year two in French top-flight football as they only achieve promotion to Ligue 1 in 202. Troyes dominated Ligue 2 in 2020–21, but they've struggled in the top flight, finishing 15th last year and failing to finish in the bottom four this year.

Kisnorbo assumed control of the team in November, but he was unable to turn the season around, winning just one of his first 21 league games. Since overcoming Strasbourg at the beginning of January, the team has not experienced victory. The now-relegated team started picking up points as they secured four out of a possible six points at a certain stage of the competition. But they reverted to their old ways and only managed to collect five of the most recent 57 points. Troyes has won four games this season, but it's interesting to note that three of those victories were achieved away from home. This gives them hope this weekend.

Mateusz Lis is anticipated to start in place of banned goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon for Troyes after the goalie earned a straight red last weekend. Yoann Salmier left the game against Strasbourg late, and his status for Saturday's match might be in doubt. While Wilson Odobert and Alexis Tibidi are in the World Cup with the France Under-20 Squad, Florian Tardieu and Renaud Ripart are injured.

Troyes possible starting lineup:

Goalkeeper: Lis

Defenders: Bruus, Rami, Palmer-Brown

Midfielders: Balde, Kouame, Chavalerin, Conte

Strikers: Lopes, Ugbo, Larouci

The most recent outcomes between these clubs favour Angers. Since November 2014, they haven't lost at home against Troyes and have won three of their past six encounters with them.

It's unclear if this match will be entertaining, but given that it has two of Ligue 1's worst defences, there's a potential that at least a couple of goals will be scored. Troyes appears to have a better chance than the other side of delivering the goods. Despite being demoted, they do have some excellent players and have improved their goal-scoring this season.

The safe bet is BTTS or over 2.5 goals.