Troyes vs Le Mans – News and Probable Lineups

The top two teams from the French second division last season are set to clash in Ligue 1 this Saturday, as Troyes hosts Le Mans at Stade de l’Aube.

Currently, ESTAC is positioned 17th after securing a goalless draw against Toulouse, which is two spots below Le Mans, who ended their matchday eight fixture against Auxerre in a 1-1 draw.

Match overview

While it wasn’t a victory, considering their recent form, Troyes’ point gained against Toulouse is seen as a step in the right direction.

This marked their second clean sheet in the league this season, following a run where they had conceded multiple goals in their prior five matches in the top tier.

Throughout the season, a lack of scoring has hindered their performance, with Troyes managing a league-low of five goals to date, three of which came at home.

Along with Lorient, Stephane Dumont’s side sits joint-bottom in terms of big chances created in Ligue 1 this season, with just 13 chances, contributing to their current relegation position.

This season, Troyes has maintained a perfect record when scoring first domestically, although they have only accomplished this once against Lorient in matchday two with a score of 2-1.

They have triumphed in two of their last three competitive home encounters against Le Mans, which occurred in Ligue 2, and they will be looking to achieve their first home win this season on Saturday.

Despite Le Mans displaying exciting football throughout the 2026-27 campaign, it has often not translated into victories, as they have squandered six points this season after taking the lead.

Patrick Videira’s side is eager to break a three-match winless streak in the league on Saturday and secure their first away win in Ligue 1 this season.

To do so, they need to reinforce their defence, having allowed seven goals in their last three league outings.

This season, Le Mans has the third-highest goals conceded per match averages (2.0) and have failed to keep even a single clean sheet thus far.

After eight rounds, they sit just above the relegation playoff spot on goal difference, with only three points separating them from 11th-place Toulouse.

Les Mucistes remained unbeaten against Troyes in Ligue 2 last season, aiming to achieve back-to-back victories at ESTAC for only the second time this century on Saturday.

Team News

Troyes is likely to be without Anis Ouzenadji due to an ankle injury, while Yacouba Kone’s availability is uncertain because of a knee complaint. Yvann Titi is also struggling with a leg issue, and Ismael Boura is dealing with a hip problem.

In matchday eight, Yored Hillel Konate stepped in for Patrick Beach in goal, making four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season.

For Le Mans, Djibril Sidibe may miss out due to a sore foot, Harold Voyer has a thigh injury, Erwan Colas is nursing a knock, Yasser Larouci has a groin issue, while Adil Bourabaa is recovering from ankle surgery and Martin Rossignol has a knee problem.

Lucas Buades scored their opening goal during matchday eight, but AJA equalized shortly after, resulting in a shared point.

Troyes probable starting XI:

Conate; Maronnier, Monfray, Diaz, Gozzi; Mille, Karim, Diop; Le Douaron, Ripart, Ifnaoui

Le Mans probable starting XI:

Coach; Woods, Yohou, Stream; Bretelle, Lauray; Fractured, Hot; Gueye, Footage, Dialogue

Both teams appear defensively vulnerable, but home advantage and Troyes’ solid defensive display last week could allow them to settle into the match quicker, potentially leading to a narrow victory.