Fifth-tier underdogs Thaon will aim to continue their fairytale Coupe de France run when they host Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg at the Stade de la Colombiere on Wednesday in the round of 32.
The Vosges-based club has made a habit of defying the odds in this competition, having eliminated Ligue 2 side Amiens twice in the past three editions, including a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory earlier this season, while the 2023 campaign also saw them push eventual finalists Nantes to penalties.
Match preview
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Strasbourg are flying high at the moment, with Le Racing unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, winning the last four, including a 3-0 victory over fifth-tier Calais in the previous round of Coupe de France.
Currently sitting ninth in Ligue 1, the Alsace-based side are just five points off the European spots at the midway point of the season after winning their last three league games, and they will be eager to carry their domestic momentum into the cup, a competition they have won three times, most recently in 2000-01.
However, memories of their 2016-17 shock exit to Avranches in the round of 16 will serve as a warning, as Thaon's recent record against higher-tier sides shows they are more than capable of springing a surprise.
Strasbourg's away form offers additional confidence, with three consecutive wins on the road and two clean sheets in that span, indicating they are well-equipped to handle Wednesday's challenge.
Thaon's 2023 triumph over Amiens—a penalty shootout win despite playing with 10 men—remains a highlight in the club's history – however, their recent victory over the same opponent in this year's competition proves they are no strangers to upsetting top sides.
In their seventh consecutive season in France's fifth tier, Thaon have struggled domestically, managing just three wins in 12 league matches to sit 11th with 13 points.
However, their form in the Coupe de France has been far more inspiring, with dominant wins over Luneville (4-0) and US Sarre-Union (2-0) en route to this round.
This will be Thaon's first home tie in the competition this season, and they will hope the familiar surroundings of Stade de la Colombiere will provide a crucial edge against their toughest opponent yet.
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Team News
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Thaon will rely heavily on Loris Petitpain, their standout performer with three goals in the competition, having scored in each round.
Mohamed Oumeddour and Colin Villa, who started in attack, are expected to lead the line once more in their 5-3-2 setup.
Meanwhile, Strasbourg will be without Caleb Wiley (shoulder), Alaa Bellaarouch (groin), Thomas Delaine (knee) and Moise Sahi Dion (Achilles).
Sekou Mara, who netted a brace in the victory over Calais, is likely to spearhead the attack, offering a potent goal-scoring threat.
Thaon possible starting lineup:
Rodriguez; Alves, Sangare, Rother, Didierjean, Leroy; Condi, Lam, Petitpain; Oumeddour, Villa
Strasbourg possible starting lineup:
Johnsson; Doue, Sarr, Sylla, Sobol; Santos, Diong; Outtara, Emegha, Sebas; Mara
We say: Thaon 1-2 Strasbourg
Strasbourg's quality and recent form make them strong favorites, but Thaon's history of giant-killing in the Coupe de France adds intrigue to this clash.
However, we expect the Ligue 1 side's superior depth to prevail and secure a win, even though the hosts could push them hard.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
