Le Puy vs Stade Laval
Coupe de France
Wednesday
7th February 2024
Stade Charles Massot
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Coupe de France fixture between Le Puy and Stade Laval.
Le Puy vs Stade Laval: Preview
Le Puy form analysis
Le Puy Foot have found improved form in recent league matches, remaining unbeaten in their last five league matches. A goalless draw away at Aubagne kicked off this run, before a battling 1-1 home draw against promotion chasing Cannes where midfielder Adinany grabbed Le Puy’s goal. Next was an entertaining 2-2 draw at home to Toulon. Despite twice taking the lead through Karamoko and then Pays strikes, defensive errors cost Le Puy as they conceded twice late on.
There was then a vital 1-0 win away at struggling Thonon Evian with Diakhabi netting the winner. Most recently Le Puy held on to beat Andrézieux 2-1 – goals from Iva and Fournel proved just enough as the defence conceded late on. So while unable to achieve back-to-back victories, manager Roland Vieira will be encouraged by this sustained spell without defeat. The ability to score goals from different areas is a positive – Vieira will hope striker Karamoko can find consistency. Tightening up defensively has to be the priority though if Le Puy are to remain top table in their league.
Stade Laval form analysis
Laval have struggled for consistent form over their last five league matches. A difficult run began with a 3-1 home loss to Auxerre despite opening the scoring through Cherni. The results improved from there with an encouraging goalless draw away at Saint-Etienne. Later a battling 1-1 draw with Paris FC where Pagis’ early strike was cancelled out. Successive away wins looked to have steadied the ship, with goals from Bobichon and Diaw sealing a 2-1 victory at Rodez. However, most recently Laval suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Quevilly Rouen.
Despite levelling the scores twice through Tchokounté and Bobichon strikes, their defence collapsed late on conceding two goals in the last 5 minutes to a side near the bottom of the table. Manager Julien Stéphan has seen his attack function well over this spell. The manager will be extremely frustrated by the inability to see games out when leading or drawing. Conceding avoidable goals and dropping deep with leads has cost Laval points during this run. Tightening up at the back by maintaining concentration and discipline for full matches is now essential if Laval are to turn results around.
