Coupe de France | Round of 32

Jan 15, 2025 at 5.30pm UK

Stade de la Colombiere

Thaon vs Strasbourg

Match preview

Strasbourg are flying high at the moment, with Le Racing unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, winning the last four, including a 3-0 victory over fifth-tier Calais in the last round of the Coupe de France.

Currently ninth in Ligue 1, the Alsace outfit are just five points off the European spots at the midway point of the season after winning their last three league games, and will be keen to carry their domestic momentum into the cup, a competition they have won three times, most recently in 2000-01.

However, memories of their shock exit at the hands of Avranches in the last 16 of the 2016-17 season will serve as a warning, with Thaon's recent record against higher-ranked sides showing that they are more than capable of springing an upset.

Strasbourg's away form is a further source of confidence, with three successive away wins and two clean sheets in that time suggesting they are well equipped for Wednesday's challenge.

Thaon's triumph over Amiens in 2023 - a penalty shootout win despite playing with 10 men - remains a highlight in the club's history, but their recent victory over the same opponents in this year's competition proves they are no strangers to upsetting top sides.

In their seventh successive season in France's fifth tier, Thaon have struggled domestically, picking up just three wins in 12 league games and finishing 11th with 13 points.

However, their form in the Coupe de France has been far more inspiring, with dominant wins over Luneville (4-0) and US Sarre-Union (2-0) en route to this round.

This will be Thaon's first home game in the competition this season, and they will hope the familiar surroundings of the Stade de la Colombiere will give them the edge against their toughest opponents yet.

Recent Performance

Thaon Coupe de France form:WWW

Thaon form (all competitions):LWWDWL

Strasbourg Coupe de France form:W

Strasbourg form (all competitions):LDWWWW

Team News

Thaon will be relying heavily on Loris Petitpain, who has scored three goals in the competition.

Mohamed Oumeddour and Colin Villa, who started in attack, are expected to lead the line again in a 5-3-2 formation.

Strasbourg will be without Caleb Wiley (shoulder), Alaa Bellaarouch (groin), Thomas Delaine (knee) and Moise Sahi Dion (Achilles).

Sekou Mara, who scored a brace in the win over Calais, is expected to lead the attack and provide a potent goalscoring threat.

Possible starting lineup

Thaon possible starting lineup:

Rodriguez; Alves, Sangare, Rother, Didierjean, Leroy; Condi, Lam, Petitpain; Oumeddour, Villa

Strasbourg possible starting lineup:

Johnsson; Doue, Sarr, Sylla, Sobol; Santos, Diong; Outtara, Emegha, Sebas; Mara