ESTAC Troyes-RC Lens, the pre-match | RC Lens

In the continuity of the 2021-2022 financial year which ended in maintenance, Troyes started the season in a 5-4-1 system under the leadership of Bruno Irlès. It is also with this device and a compact unit that the team traveled to Bollaert in September. Nevertheless, the negative spiral (7 games without a win) led to the departure of the former coach of Quevilly, who was replaced by Patrick Kisnorbo during the World Cup break. If he is a follower of 4-3-3, the one who has been at the head of ESTAC for four days now makes the Trojans evolve into 4-2-3-1. The beginnings were promising with a draw against Nantes (0-0) and three points pocketed in Strasbourg (2-3). Thus, the former professional player became the first Australian coach to win a match in one of the five major European championships (England, Germany, Spain, Italy, France).

During the defeats against Marseille and Lille, Patrick Kisnorbo bet on the stability of his eleven. Since his arrival in Champagne, he has chosen the same defensive base, starting with Mateusz Lis (on loan from Southampton) who has not left his role as goalkeeper for five games. In front of him, captain Yoann Salmier and Englishman Erik Palmer-Brown (the only Trojan with 19 appearances in 19 days) are unstoppable and form the central hinge. Full-backs Thierno Baldé and Abdu Conté are usually chosen to complete the backline.

In midfield, Troyes will have to deal without Florian Tardieu, who will not play again this season due to an Achilles tendon injury. It is therefore the duo Rominigue Kouamé – Xavier Chavalerin who should keep the midfield, Tristan Dingome (8 appearances this season) being uncertain. Ante Palaversa will be absent from the group. From an attacking point of view, the Australian has made the experienced Rony Lopes (168 appearances in Ligue 1) his playmaker. On the right side, it is usually the Dane Andreas Bruus who is aligned while Mama Baldé should be established at the forefront of the attack. To accompany him, the twirling Wilson Odobert (18) and the Canadian Iké Ugbo are also solutions. On the other hand, Renaud Ripart (17 games, 3 goals) will not be in the game due to suspension.