Preview: Angers vs. Reims - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams currently in the Ligue 1 relegation zone will meet on Wednesday as Angers welcome Reims to Stade Jean-Bouin for their latest encounter.

Neither of them have managed to win a game so far this season, with the upcoming encounter providing them the perfect opportunity to change that.

Match preview

© Reuters

Angers have struggled so far this season across the opening four fixtures, picking up just three points to this point with a trio of draws in the first three matches.

Since then Gerald Baticle's men have lost consecutively 3-1, with the most recent of those defeats taking place against Troyes, where Lois Diony's goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

The situation proved to be a difficult one for them due to Batista Mendy being sent off in the first half, which then put pressure on the squad for the rest of the game.

Angers will be able to take confidence from the fact that two of their three draws took place at home, though, which they will want to continue.

A big problem that the team has had so far is through their attacking efforts, with the squad having scored just four goals so far, which is a concern.

© Reuters

However, Angers might have an ideal time to change their situation when it comes to their attacking qualities as Reims have been struggling at the back in the first five games, conceding 10 times.

The squad does head into this match on the back of two consecutive draws, showcasing their ability to pick up points which they will now be searching to add to.

Reims are yet to win a single match this season, but it did almost happen in their recent outing against Lyon when they had a 1-0 lead clawed back in the 86th minute with an equaliser.

The 1-1 fixture showcased signs of improvement from the squad, but they did also end up playing with 10 men after Dion Lopy ended up being sent off.

The visitors are currently second-bottom in the league table, but a victory could lead to them climbing as high as 12th if other results go in their favour.

Team News

© Reuters

Angers will be without Ulrick Eneme Ella and Abdallah Sima at the weekend because of injury, while Mendy will begin serving his suspension following his recent red card.

After impressing from the bench Sofiane Boufal was brought into the starting lineup in the most recent outing, and he could once again find himself leading the line.

The visitors will also be missing a player due to suspension after Lopy was sent off in their most recent fixture, which will see at least one change to the starting lineup on Wednesday.

Junya Ito is likely to find himself leading the attack alongside Folarin Balogun, with the 3-4-1-2 formation being something that will be deployed.

Angers possible starting lineup:

Bernardoni; Blazic, Hountondji, Camara; Sima, Thioub, Doumbia, Capelle, Ounahi; Boufal, Diony

Reims possible starting lineup:

Pentz; Gravillon, Faes, Abdelhamid; Busi, Munetsi, Locko, Doumbia, Toure; Ito, Balogun

We say: Angers 2-2 Reims

Neither team have managed to get the start to the season that they were hoping for, which makes this a particularly important fixture for both of them.

With each squad looking to push for three points there could be a level of cautiousness about this one that could lead to a draw.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.