Angers vs Lyon – News and Probable Lineups

Lyon and Angers are eager for a revival as they meet at Stade Raymond Kopa on Sunday, hoping to shake off their recent performances following the international break.

Les Gones have not secured a win in their last eight games across all competitions (D3, L5), while the Black and Whites are coming off five losses in six matches (W1).

Match overview

Lyon did achieve a remarkable streak of 13 consecutive victories from mid-December to mid-February, but this impressive form has since transitioned into a winless period that has led to their exit from both the Coupe de França and the Europa League.

This decline has also affected their league position, with Les Gones unable to claim a win in their last five league outings (D2, L3), trailing only Metz and Le Havre in points gathered during this timeframe.

Lyon comes into this match following a 2-1 loss at home to Mônaco prior to the break, where Pavel Sulc’s early goal did not pave the way for success, leaving Paulo Fonseca’s squad in fourth place in the Ligue 1 standings.

Currently two points behind third-placed Marseille, they are level on points with the fifth-placed team but ahead on goal difference, only two points clear of sixth-placed Mônaco; thus, Les Gones remain deeply involved in a competitive pursuit for a top-three finish as the season unfolds.

A victory could propel Lyon into third place, particularly with Marseille set to face a tough challenge against Mônaco this weekend. However, the inconsistency of their away performance raises concerns, having recorded just five wins out of 14 league matches away and failing to secure maximum points in their last three (D1, L2).

On the other hand, Angers have faced challenges in gaining momentum in 2026, suffering seven defeats in their last 11 league matches since January, including a heavy 5-1 loss at Lens just before the break, where Lanroy Machine’s 62nd-minute goal was merely a consolation.

That last result positions the Black and Whites at 12th in the table, 10 points clear of the relegation playoff zone, placing them out of immediate risk. Nevertheless, a positive outcome in this match would bolster their chances of survival.

However, Angers have not performed well in this encounter in recent years, having lost six of the last seven meetings against Lyon across all competitions, failing to find the net in their last three clashes, which includes a 1-0 defeat in September.

Recent struggles in the attacking department indicate that the hosts may face difficulties once more, with Alexandre Dujeux’s team not scoring in four of their last six fixtures, including their last two home matches, both of which resulted in defeats.

Team News

Angers are likely to be without defender Carlens Arcus and goalkeeper Melvin Zinga, as both players missed the last match due to groin and knee injuries, respectively.

On a brighter note, Herve Koffi has recovered from injury, and the 29-year-old is anticipated to start in goal on Sunday.

For Lyon, 18-year-old forward Remi Himbert will not participate this weekend as he continues to recover from an ankle issue, while Ernest Nuamah is close to returning from a significant knee injury.

Additionally, Argentine left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, who was shown a red card late in the match against Mônaco, will be unavailable due to suspension.

Angers probable starting XI:

Coffee; Louer, Camara, Lefort; Raolisoa, Belkhdim, Belkebla, van den Boomen, Hanin; Sbai, Koyalipou

Lyon probable starting XI:

Count; Hateboer, Mata, Niakhate, Abner Vinicius; Morton, Tolisso; Endrick, Merah, Nartey; Sulc

This match could be closely contested, but Lyon’s superior quality and favorable head-to-head record may ultimately sway the outcome in their favor.

With Angers having difficulties in the attacking third and Les Gones still firmly in contention for a top-three finish, the visitors appear to be in a strong position to secure a victory in this encounter.