Nimes vs Angers ( WON )

Nîmes have lost five of their last six games in all competitions and don’t look like much is set to change. They have generally been fantastic this season since getting promoted from Ligue 1 but they find themselves in an almighty rut. The annoying thing for Nîmes is that their performances have been very impressive. They had 57% of the possession at the weekend and managed six shots on target but they just weren’t able to find that crucial goal as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Toulouse who are now just one point below them in 13th. They really lack a clinical goalscorer, as many promoted teams do, and need Umut Bozok to kick into form. The 22-year-old Turk scored 24 goals last season in Ligue 2 but has struggled with the step up in quality this season. As a result, goals have been few and far between for the Crocodiles as they have just two players with more than three goals.

They have also kept just one clean sheet in their last seven games, which doesn’t help, although they do have a lot to build on due to their generally solid performances in spite of the results. They have been better at home this season with just four losses at the Stade des Costieres but can they use this to their advantage against Angers?

Like Nîmes, Angers have also been pretty bereft of victories recently with just one in their last eight matches. However, this win came on Sunday with them running out 1-0 victors at home to Nantes. This was a very crucial match for Angers as they faced a team beside them in the table and while they played much of the game with their backs against the wall, conceding 13 shots and nine corners, Anthony Fulgini managed to snatch the three points at the death with a 94th minute winner, sending the Stade Raymond-Kopa into raptures. This win could do wonders for Angers’ confidence and really be a pivotal moment for their season which has been less than disappointing so far.