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Lorient have a game to go and a miracle to achieve in order to avoid the drop, whilst Clermont have already been relegated down to Ligue 2 ahead of this weekend.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Sunday 19th May, 2024 - UK – 20:00 / US EST – 15:00 / US PST – 13:00
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: This match will not be televised live in the UK. / This match will be televised live on beIN Sports in the US.
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match will not be able to be streamed live in the UK. / This match will be streamed live via Fanatiz in the US.
LORIENT PREVIEW: A FADING HOPE
Last season Lorient finished in the top-half of Ligue 1 but the American-led takeover of the club by Bill Foley, effectively becoming a feeder club to AFC Bournemouth, has led to lots of supporter unrest and off-field protests throughout the campaign and they have been relegated ahead of this final day of the season.
Despite still being able to match Metz’ points total, who occupy third from bottom and the relegation playoff place, they have lost out to Metz on the head-to-head rule. Still managed by Regis Le Bris, Lorient’s 3-1 loss to Olympique de Marseille at Stade Velodrome last weekend means they have now suffered seven successive defeats in Ligue 1.
CLERMONT PREVIEW: RESTORING SOME PRIDE
Clermont gained promotion to the top-flight of French football for the first time ever in 2021 and they have spent the last two seasons defying the odds by avoiding relegation and even finishing in the top-half of the table last season but Les Lanciers are preparing for their return to Ligue 2, which has been confirmed for a couple of weeks.
They have stuck by long-term manager Pascal Gastien and he is set to be given the chance to rebuild with Clermont showing some fight as we head into the final weekend of the season. They did, though, suffer a 1-0 loss at home to Olympique Lyonnais last weekend with Orel Mangala scoring a 53rd minute winner for the visitors.
LORIENT TEAM NEWS: ANOTHER LONG INJURY LIST
There are a few injury issues for Lorient, once again, this weekend as they welcome Clermont. Quentin Boisgard is unavailable for this one alongside the likes of Ayman Kari, Isaak Toure, Igor Silva and Brooke Innocent.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Mvogo; Adjei, Talbi, Laporte; Katseris, Abergel, Louza, Mendy; Bouanani, Ponceau; Bamba
UNAVAILABLE: Toure (Injured), Kari (Injured), Silva (Injured), Innocent (Injured), Boisgard (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
CLERMONT TEAM NEWS: JUST THE ONE ISSUE
There is only one injury concern for Clermont this weekend as former Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Maxime Gonalons is unavailable for this one but they will be able to name an unchanged eleven for this one.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Diaw; Jacquet, Matsima, Pelmard, Neto Borges; Magnin, Gastien; Virginius, Cham, Rashani; Kyei
UNAVAILABLE: Gonalons (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
LORIENT VS CLERMONT PREDICTION
We could have had an all-time classic on our hands if Lorient and Clermont had picked up a couple of extra points each before this final day. Instead we have the likelihood of the two teams commiserating themselves after automatic relegation for both. Lorient do have the chance to put the squeeze on Metz with Metz facing PSG but when word gets through that the almighty hammering isn’t taking place, this one may just fizzle out and Clermont will fancy their chances of continuing to stir.
LORIENT VS CLERMONT TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – CLERMONT TO WIN OR DRAW