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Two of Ligue 1's newly promoted sides go head-to-head at Stade de l'Aube on Saturday as Troyes host Le Mans.
Both teams have endured underwhelming starts to their top-flight return, but a win this weekend could provide the catalyst for a turnaround.
In addition to our Troyes vs Le Mans prediction below, check out the rest of today's betting tips for more of our expert predictions.
Troyes vs. Le Mans key stats
- Troyes are winless in their last seven matches.
- Troyes have conceded the opening goal in five of their last six games.
- Le Mans are without a victory in four outings leading up to Saturday's clash.
- Nine of Le Mans' last 10 affairs have seen both teams score.
Troyes vs. Le Mans preview: Les Bleu et Blanc to edge battle of newcomers
Troyes vs Le Mans — Tale of the Tape
| Troyes | vs | Le Mans |
|---|---|---|
| 17th | Position | 15th |
| 5 | Points | 7 |
| 5 | Goals For | 11 |
| 16 | Goals Against | 16 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 18th | Home / Away Rank | 17th |
Despite offering little in possession or attack, Troyes managed to earn a point from their trip to Toulouse on Sunday. The relief at ending a five-game league losing streak was evident at the final whistle.
However, the result left Stephane Durmont’s side in the relegation zone, two points from safety after eight rounds, as last season’s Ligue 2 winners continue to adjust to the top flight.
Much of ESTAC’s trouble stems from a toothless attack that has produced a league-low five goals. To make matters worse, only Auxerre and Strasbourg (18 each) have conceded more than Troyes’ 16 goals.
A home clash with a fellow newly promoted side still struggling for form is as good an opportunity as any for Troyes to get back to winning ways, but they will be wary of falling short against Le Mans again, having lost their most recent meeting in January.
Saturday’s hosts head to the Parc des Princes to take on Paris Saint-Germain in their subsequent assignment, further underlining the importance of maximum points this weekend on home turf, where they are one of two Ligue 1 teams yet to record a league win.
Like Troyes, Le Mans also managed to halt a run of consecutive defeats last time out, holding Auxerre to a 1-1 draw at Stade de l'Abbe-Deschamps, as Danny Namaso’s own goal was cancelled out by Cameron Archer 10 minutes into the second half.
With Strasbourg losing to Stade Rennais, a point was enough for Patrick Videira’s side to move out of the bottom three and will now look to pull further away from relegation danger with maximum points in their next outing.
Les Sang et Or have conceded in each of their last 11 outings, including friendlies – a major concern for a side that secured promotion as Ligue 2's best defensive team, conceding less than a goal per game last season.
Le Mans are still waiting for their first away league win of the season, and with games against Monaco, Marseille and Lille to come after the trip to Troyes, Saturday would be a good time for them to end their woes on the road.
Harold Voyer put on a man-of-the-match performance en route to a 2-0 triumph in the most recent meeting between this weekend’s opponents and is one of four absentees for the away side, who could really do with the full complement of their squad to navigate a tough run of matches.
Troyes vs. Le Mans form guide & betting tips
| Troyes | vs | Le Mans |
|---|---|---|
LLLLD |
Form | DWLLD |
| 1 | Points | 5 |
| 18th | Form Table | 13th |
| 1 | Goals For | 6 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 10 |
LDLLD |
Form (All Comps) | WLLLD |
Whispers predicts: Troyes 2-1 Le Mans
Troyes are 34/25 (2.36) favourites in this clash between two sides in need of a win, and we are backing them to come out on top, which you can too using our Ladbrokes promo code.
Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings between Troyes and Le Mans. Given how open these sides have been this season, BTTS – Yes at 2/3 (1.67) looks a safe pick.
Michel Diaz has been booked in half of his Ligue 1 appearances this season, making his 8/5 (2.60) option to be carded an appealing one.
> Troyes to win at 34/25 (2.36) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 2/3 (1.67) | Likelihood: Probable
> Michel Diaz to be carded at 8/5 (2.60) | Likelihood: Probable