Coupe de France | Round of 32

Jan 15, 2025 at 5.30pm UK

Stadium de Toulouse (Toulouse)

Toulouse vs Laval

Match preview

Toulouse narrowly avoided a shock exit from the last 64, needing a penalty shoot-out to see off fifth-placed Hauts Lyonnais in a fiery encounter that saw both sides reduced to 10 men.

Despite the scare, Les Violets remain favourites thanks to a solid Ligue 1 campaign that has seen them finish eighth on 24 points, just four shy of a European spot.

However, their momentum was halted last weekend when they lost 2-1 at home to Strasbourg, ending a four-match unbeaten run at the Toulouse Stadium, including three successive victories.

Carles Martinez Novell's side will be hoping to make the most of their home advantage, but memories of last season's shock exit from the last 32 at the hands of FC Rouen in a marathon 12-11 penalty shootout remain fresh in their minds.

Meanwhile, Laval's path to this stage has been marked by sheer determination - Les Tango have drawn all three of their Coupe de France matches so far, before winning on penalties.

A goalless draw against Vitre ended 5-4 on penalties, a dramatic 2-2 draw was followed by a 5-3 shootout triumph in the eighth round and, most recently, they edged Merignac Athletic Sport 4-3 on penalties after another goalless stalemate in the round of 64.

The second-tier side are aiming to reach the last 16 for the second year running after a respectable run last year ended with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Le Puy Foot.

However, the spectre of their 1987-88 campaign, when they were knocked out of the competition by Toulouse 2-0 in the third round, hangs over the visitors as a reminder of the challenges they will face against the hosts.

Recent Performance

Toulouse Coupe de France form:W

Toulouse form (all competitions):WLWWWL

Laval Coupe de France form:WWW

Laval form (all competitions):WWWWWD

Team News

Toulouse will be without key defender Rasmus Nicolaisen, who is out until the end of the month with an ankle injury.Midfielder Vincent Sierro is also out with a leg injury that is expected to sideline him for several weeks.

Laval's defensive options are limited as centre-back William Bianda is sidelined with an ankle injury.Peter Ouaneh, who has been sidelined since October with a torn patella tendon, is also a doubt.

Possible starting lineup

Toulouse possible starting lineup:

Restes; Akdag, Cresswell, McKenzie; Doennum, Canvot, Suazo, Casseres Jr.; Gboho, Aboukhlal; King

Laval possible starting lineup:

Hautbois; Cherni, Bianda, Tavares, Adilehou, Goncalves; Pereira, Roye, Thomas, Zohi; Tchokounte