Ligue 1 | Gameweek 33

May 10, 2025 at 8pm UK

Stade Raymond Kopa

Angers vs Strasbourg

Match preview

Returning to Ligue 1 this season after a one-year absence, Angers were determined to avoid immediate relegation. The SCO are 14th on 33 points, two clear of 16th-placed Le Havre in the relegation play-off spot and six clear of second-bottom Saint-Etienne.

Although Alexandre Dujeux's side are no longer directly threatened with relegation, they are still in danger of slipping into the relegation play-offs, which could happen this weekend if they lose, Nantes beat Auxerre and Le Havre stun second-placed Marseille.

Although the results of the two clubs directly below them could leave Les Scoistes' supporters nervous going into the final round, a win for Angers would all but guarantee their place in Ligue 1 next season.

However, that outcome is dependent on Dujeux's side securing just their third win over a top-flight side this season, having lost 12 and drawn two of their 14 previous encounters.

Strasbourg will be keen to prevent Angers from adding to their meagre eight points against top-flight opposition in the final away game of the campaign, as they bid to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the current format.

Liam Rosenior's side currently sit in sixth place, guaranteeing them a place in the Conference League play-offs, but Le Racing could still finish as high as second this term.

Strasbourg head into round 33 just two points behind second-placed Marseille, one behind Monaco and level on 57 points with Nice and Lille, highlighting the dangers of the final two rounds for the Champions League hopefuls.

Nevertheless, the away supporters will be cheering on their players as they look to secure a fourth successive win away to Angers to extend an impressive 12-match unbeaten run, nine of which have been wins.

Rosenior's side's tally of 40 points, more than any other club in Ligue 1, is the same as Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich's (40), one behind LaLiga favourites Barcelona (41) and three behind in-form Roma (43), underlining Le RCS's impressive form since the turn of the year.

A 13th win of 2025 could see the sixth-placed side clinch a Champions League spot this weekend ahead of a final home game against relegation-threatened Le Havre, something the BlueCo led side would have welcomed before a ball was kicked this term.

Recent Performance

Angers Ligue 1 form:LLWLLW

Strasbourg Ligue 1 form:WWDDWW

Team News

Sidiki Cherif (thigh) is expected to miss out for Angers, who will assess Ahmadou Bamba Dieng, Emmanuel Biumla, Haris Belkebla and Pierrick Capelle ahead of Saturday's clash.

Esteban Lepaul (seven goals) and Himad Abdelli (six) have netted 13 of the home side's 30 Ligue 1 goals, making up 43.3% of the league's second-lowest goalscoring tally, highlighting their reliance on the pair.

While Strasbourg are relatively injury-free, the Champions League chasers are without the injured Dion Sahi and the suspended Andrew Omobamidele.

No player on the away side has scored more goals than Emanuel Emegha's 14, and the striker, who leads all Ligue 1 goalscorers with seven, will be looking to add to his tally this weekend.

Only four players - Ousmane Dembele (10), Mason Greenwood, Jonathan David and Arnaud Kalimuendo (all on eight) - have netted more than Emegha's seven away goals this term, underlining the Strasbourg striker's reliability both at home and on the road.

Possible starting lineup

Angers possible starting lineup:

Fofana; Arcus, Lefort, Bamba, Hanin; Courcoul, Belkhdim; Ferhat, Abdelli, Raolisoa; Lepaul

Strasbourg possible starting lineup:

Petrovic; Doue, Doukoure, Sarr; Bakwa, Santos, Barco, Moreira; Lemarechal, Diarra; Emegha