Heading to Troyes to Secure a Quarterfinal Spot
On Wednesday, Pierre Sage’s team will travel to Troyes, a city located in the Aube department, with a clear goal: to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the Coupe de France. Over 3,000 supporters from Lens are expected to make the 300-kilometer journey to cheer on their team.
Match Overview
Troyes, currently linked to Manchester City through the City Football Group, faces Lens in what could be a challenging encounter. Despite a brief return to Ligue 1 after their 2020 takeover, Troyes has since been relegated back to Ligue 2 and struggled under former coach Patrick Kisnorbo, winning only three out of 40 matches. The club narrowly avoided a second consecutive drop due to the relegation of Bordeaux.
Troyes’ Current Situation
- Current League: Ligue 2
- Last Season’s Performance: Relegated from Ligue 1
- Former Coach: Patrick Kisnorbo
- Current Coach: Stéphane Dumont
- Recent Achievements: Leading Ligue 2 this season
Recent weeks have seen a managerial shift at Troyes with Stéphane Dumont now at the helm, and the team currently occupies the top spot in Ligue 2, suggesting a revival in form.
Supporters and Team Spirit
In a strategic move to boost attendance and support, the Troyes management has opened the Seine tribune entirely for Lens supporters. This decision not only enhances the atmosphere but also contributes to the club’s revenue. The presence of such a large following could provide Lens with the extra motivation needed in this crucial knockout match.
Matchday Considerations
This match represents Lens’s second midweek fixture of the season. The first ended in disappointment, with a 0-2 loss to Metz, who were at the bottom of the league at that time. The upcoming encounter against the dominant side in Ligue 2 could be equally challenging.
Coach Pierre Sage faces decisions regarding his lineup. Kyllian Antonio performed admirably in his first start of the season, possibly earning him another opportunity. Meanwhile, Samson Baidoo is not expected to return until the weekend. Andrija Bulatović may feature to offer a break for either Adrien Thomasson or Mamadou Sangaré, while the likes of Amadou Haidara and Allan Saint-Maximin might come on as substitutes, depending on the match dynamics.
Conclusion
The stakes are high for both teams as they prepare to face off in a match marked by its knockout format, with no allowance for extra time. For Lens, the task is clear: maintain their form and approach the match with the seriousness it deserves. The outcome could set the tone for the remainder of their season in the Coupe de France.
