Ligue 1 | Gameweek 15

Dec 15, 2024 at 4pm UK

Stade Oceane

Le Havrevs.Strasbourg

Match preview

Following their promotion from Ligue 2 in 2023, Le Havre were among the favourites to go straight back down again last season.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, they managed to survive in Ligue 1, finishing three points clear of the relegation zone.

Staying up last year was considered a success, but coach Luka Elsner was sacked by Reims after two successful years in charge.

Elsner was replaced by Didier Digard, who began his playing career at the club in 2003 before moving to Paris Saint-Germain four years later.

The former Middlesbrough midfielder made a strong start in his new role, winning two of his first three games in charge of the Normandy outfit.

The honeymoon period was short-lived, however, as Le Havre went more than two months without a league win after a 3-1 win over Auxerre in early September.

That poor run has left the hosts in another relegation battle, as they currently sit 17th in the standings with 12 points from 14 games.

Their opponents this weekend are in a similar position, having also undergone a managerial change over the summer.

Patrick Vieira left the club in July after leading Strasbourg to a 13th-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, with former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior appointed as his replacement.

Strasbourg made a promising start to life under Rosenior, with their only defeats in their opening nine games coming at the hands of Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Les Bleu et Blanc lost all four of their Ligue 1 games in November, which saw them slip down the table - although they did manage to stop the rot last weekend with a goalless draw at home to Reims.

One of the reasons for Strasbourg's struggles so far this season has been their poor away form, with Rosenior's men one of four teams in the division yet to win away from home this season.

However, they will be hoping to end that drought this weekend when they host Le Havre, who have one of the worst home records in the league, with only Angers worse at home this season.

Another problem for the visitors has been their porous defence this year, with their 27 goals conceded contributing to the third-worst defensive record in Ligue 1.

The visitors have kept just two clean sheets in the league this season, but they will face a Le Havre side who are tied with Saint-Etienne for the lowest number of goals conceded this season with 11, only one of which has come at home since the start of September.

Recent Performance

Le Havre Ligue 1 form:LWLWLL

Strasbourg Ligue 1 form:WLLLLD

Team News

Le Havre's Senegalese duo of Issa Soumare and Arouna Sangante will miss the game with groin injuries, while Ismail Bouneb and Emmanuel Sabbi are both nursing muscular problems.

Elsewhere, Andy Logbo remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury, while Josue Casimir (ankle), Yann Kitala (ankle) and Antoine Joujou are also expected to miss out.

However, they will be boosted by the recent return of Oussama Targhalline, who missed the defeat to Nice with a leg injury.

Meanwhile, the visitors have injury concerns of their own, with Ivorian duo Moise Sahi Dion (knee) and Loubadhe Abakar Sylla ruled out.

In addition, Caleb Wiley has not featured since picking up an injury against Nice last month and is unlikely to be involved this weekend.

In other news for the visitors, goalkeeper Alaa Bellaarouch is expected to be sidelined until at least the end of the month with a hamstring injury, while Thomas Delaine is a doubt with a knee problem.

Possible starting lineup

Le Havre possible starting lineup:

Desmas; Lloris, Youte Kinkoue, Salmier; Operi, Ndiaye, Toure, Pembele; Targhalline, Kechta, Ngoura

Strasbourg possible starting lineup:

Petrovic; Doukoure, Sarr, Doue; Moreira, Santos, Diarra, Bakwa, Mara; Nanasi, Emegha