Angers SCO vs FC Lorient Preview 01/01/2023

Angers SCO vs FC Lorient – 01/01/2023

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Lorient continue to slip down the Ligue 1 table and go into matchday 17 on a six-match winless streak. Les Merlus are coming off a Thursday night 2-0 home loss to Montpellier to restart the season after the World Cup break.

On Sunday, Lorient will visit Angers, as they seek a win against Ligue 1’s last-placed team. Angers have won just two of their 16 matches in Ligue 1 this season. The Black and White are on an eight-game losing streak in Ligue 1 ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Lorient.

Matchday 17 is a must-win fixture for Angers. Lorient are in poor form and Angers need to win to have any hope of turning their season around. The Black and White are six points from safety in the French top flight.

The last six games between Angers and Lorient were divided into two wins, two draws, and two losses apiece. Angers picked up four points from six last season against Lorient. However, this campaign has the teams in different positions, with Angers struggling for points to survive.

Angers sacked manager Gérald Baticle on November 23 and placed Abdel Bouhazama in charge of the team on a caretaker basis. His first match in charge was a midweek 1-0 loss to Ajaccio.

The Black and White took zero points from their last six games in Ligue 1. Angers managed just four goals while conceding 11 times during those six matches. The team took a mere four points from eight games at home this season.

Lorient aren’t in much better form ahead of the game. Les Merlus took just three points from the last six games and those points were from draws. Lorient were outscored 9-5 across the last six games

Les Merlus have been excellent on the road this season, however. Lorient picked up 15 points from eight games away from home, which is currently the third-best in Ligue 1. Lorient are unbeaten in five straight road games.

Goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo is dealing with a patella problem. He played in midweek and should be available. Theo Le Bris is expected to miss out with an ankle sprain. Striker Terem Moffi leads Lorient in goals with 10.

Lorient should end their winless streak on the road against Angers with a 1-0 win. Les Merlus are playing well on the road and Angers are the league’s worst team. Lorient should finally get back to winning ways.