Angers’ Continued Struggles and Strasbourg’s European Ambition

Angers consistently struggles to turn their season around and escape the relegation zone. Strasbourg, conversely, is focused on contending for a Champions League spot from the outset, clearly relishing their previous foray into European competition.

Strasbourg’s Recent European Engagements

They successfully navigated one play-off round in the Conference League against Danish side Brøndby (0-0, 3-2). This past Thursday, Strasbourg commenced its group stage campaign with an away victory over Slovan (2-1). While the short two-day recovery period after returning from Slovakia might be a factor, it’s unlikely to be the primary cause for any potential decline in performance. Following their trip to Denmark, Liam Rosenior’s team suffered a defeat, but that was against Champions League participant Monaco (2-3), a significantly stronger opponent.

Angers’ Domestic Form and Decline

Angers is not involved in any European tournaments. Last season, their survival was largely due to an impressive unbeaten streak in October 2024 (four matches), three consecutive wins in January, and a mere three victories throughout the spring. At the start of the current season, we’ve observed a gradual decline for “Les Scoïstes”: beginning with a first-round victory over newcomer Paris FC (1-0), they have since suffered two losses against top-half teams, Brest (0-1 away) and another defeat to Brest (0-2 at home).

Strasbourg’s Home Advantage and Prediction

Strasbourg currently sits comfortably in the top half of the table. Their chances of success are further amplified when they play at their home ground, the Stade de la Meinau: over their last 10 home matches, they have secured six wins, two draws, and two losses. My prediction is a straightforward home victory for Strasbourg.