The matchup between Lorient and Angers is one of the most heavily anticipated fixtures in French football. The two teams have long been two of the top sides in Ligue 1 and have faced off numerous times in the past. This time around, the stakes are higher than ever before as the two sides battle for bragging rights and a chance to make the Champions League. Ahead of this weekend's fixture, we take a look back at the history of the two clubs, their current form, and the key players to watch out for.
Lorient's History
Lorient is a relatively new club in the French footballing landscape, having been founded in 1926. Despite their short history, the club has been incredibly successful in their time, having achieved promotion to the top tier of French football in 2003. In the time since, they have become one of the most consistent sides in the division, having achieved a top-half finish in five of the last six seasons. They have also achieved some success in cup competitions, having won the Coupe de France in 2006 and the Coupe de la Ligue in 2009.
The team is well-known for their attacking style of play, which has seen them score plenty of goals over the years. The current squad is also no slouch, featuring some of the best players in the division. The two biggest names in the squad are the attacking duo of Yoane Wissa and Jérémy Morel, both of whom have been integral to the team's success in recent years.
Angers' History
Angers is a much older club than Lorient, having been founded in 1919. The club has a long and illustrious history, having won the Ligue 1 title in 1965 and the Coupe de France in 1976. They have also achieved promotion to the top tier of French football on four occasions, most recently in 2015. Since then, they have been a consistent presence in the division, with a top-half finish in four of the last five seasons.
The team is well known for its defensive style of play and has been incredibly successful in recent years, conceding the fewest number of goals in the division in the last two seasons. The current squad features some of the most talented defenders in the league, with the likes of Romain Thomas, Vincent Manceau, and Ismaël Traoré all being key players for the team. They also boast a talented attacking lineup, with the likes of Stéphane Bahoken and Mathias Pereira Lage providing plenty of attacking threat.
Key Matchup to Watch
This weekend's matchup between Lorient and Angers promises to be an intriguing one, as the two sides battle for bragging rights and a chance to make the Champions League. The key matchup to watch will be between the two attacking duos of Wissa and Morel for Lorient, and Bahoken and Pereira Lage for Angers. Both sides are known for their attacking prowess, and this matchup should provide plenty of excitement for the fans.
Another key matchup to watch will be between the two defensive units. Lorient's defense has been excellent in recent years and features some of the best players in the division. Angers' defense has also been impressive, and the two sides will be looking to outdo each other in the battle for supremacy.
Prediction
This promises to be an intriguing matchup between two of the top sides in the division. Both teams boast impressive attacking lineups and defensive units, and the game could go either way. However, given Lorient's form and home advantage, we are predicting that they will edge out a victory in this one.
Conclusion
The matchup between Lorient and Angers is sure to be an entertaining one. Both teams boast talented squads and are determined to secure a victory in this fixture. While the result could go either way, Lorient's home advantage and recent form should give them the edge in this one. Either way, fans of both sides are sure to be in for a treat when the two sides face off this weekend.
