Newly-promoted Troyes meet Strasbourg in Ligue 1 showdown

ES Troyes AC vs RC Strasbourg Alsace begins at 14:00 [GMT+1] on Sunday, September 6, at Stade de l’Aube. Newly promoted Troyes sit on four points after two matches, following last weekend’s impressive 2-1 victory at Lorient. “I loved the team’s performance once again, in all its current form, and being able to win away from home in the first (away) match is important; it’s a good sign,” Dumont expressed satisfaction. That success was ESTAC’s first Ligue 1 win since January 2023, coincidentally against Strasbourg, and they now have the chance to record successive top-flight victories for the first time since August 2022. Stade de l’Aube could provide the ideal setting for another positive result. Stéphane Dumont’s are unbeaten in their last six home league matches, winning five and drawing one [5W, 1D, 0L], while they have lost only once on home soil across the top two divisions in 2026, recording seven wins [7W, 1D, 1L]. Their recent meetings with Strasbourg [1W, 3D, 0L] have also shown that Le Racing can be made to work hard for points, giving Troyes further reason for confidence despite the visitors’ superior top-flight experience. Yvann Titi is unavailable for the hosts. A 4—1—2—3 pattern with Merwan Ifnaoui, Renaud Ripart and Antoine Mille starting upfront is expected against Le Racing.

Strasbourg, meanwhile, responded impressively to their disappointing opening weekend. After suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Marseille, Hugo Oliveira’s side bounced back with a 2-1 home victory over Lens to get their campaign up and running. That result continued a positive trend for Strasbourg during 2026. Le Racing have won six of their last 10 Ligue 1 matches [6W, 1D, 3L], after managing just three victories across their previous 10 outings in the calendar year. They will now attempt to carry that momentum onto the road, although their defensive record away from home remains a concern. Le Racing have kept only two clean sheets in their last 20 Ligue 1 away matches dating back to the start of last season, leaving them vulnerable to Troyes’ confident attack. However, the visitors have enjoyed facing newly promoted opposition recently, winning each of their last three Ligue 1 away matches against sides newly arrived in the division [3W, 0D, 0L]. That record could prove decisive if Troyes are unable to reproduce the intensity that has characterised their impressive opening two fixtures. Strasbourg are hopeful of welcoming back Martial Godo, although Samir El Mourabet remains suspended. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Jacobo Ortega leading the attacking line may be seen against ESTAC.