AS Saint-Etienne, Lille OSC, Montpellier Herault SC and Stade Rennais are the four teams that have emerged as the last four contestants to compete in the semi-finals of the prestigious Coupe de la Ligue
The Coupe de la Ligue has entered its semi-final stages, as only four sides namely remain to compete for the Cup. With all of the favourites including Paris Saint-Germain, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127, out of the tournament, the knock-out
round has turned out to be more exciting than ever.
All four of the contestants to reach the semi’s are currently playing in Ligue 1, namely AS Saint-Etienne, Lille OSC, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stade-Rennais-FC-c40612. The tournament is set out to be a real nail-biting thriller between the remaining sides. Here’s a
look on what are the changes for these clubs to win the Coupe de la Ligue.
AS Saint-Etienne (vs Lille OSC)
Les Verts have had a really good start to the campaign this season. The side has been consistently improving under Christophe Galtier’s supervision, now aiming for a European spot this season. ASSE are among the favourites to win the cup, following their
good run in the tournament.
The French outfit has progressed impressively in the Coupe de la Ligue. St Etienne are a side that has the capability to sustain mental pressure and do not loose confidence in such situations. Galtier’s side managed to win two penalty shoot-outs in the tournament,
against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Lorient-c39153 and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
ASSE have been one of the best sides defensively this season. With much credit to the goalkeeper, Stephane Ruffier, who has turned out to be a star performer for the Rhone-based club. Furthermore, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been a consistent performer,
while possesses a natural flair for scoring goals.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lille-OSC-c39800 (vs AS Saint-Etienne)
The French outfit’s performance has been shaky this season. The club suffered an early exit in the Champions League group stages. Furthermore, the Lille-based club finds itself struggling in the Ligue 1.
However, Lille’s Coupe de la Ligue run has been much better compared to other tournaments. Les Dogues have appeared to be a resolute side in the cup, and doesn’t exhibit any lacklustre in their performances.
Unlike Saint-Etienne, LOSC have faced easier opponents, with their only major challenge in the fixture against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Toulouse-FC-c40751. The Mastiffs might themselves in a difficult situation as they take on Les Verts, who have been performing strongly throughout the
competition.
Montpellier Herault SC (vs Stade Rennais)
The defending Ligue 1 champions have been struggling in the league and it appears that La Paillade would not be able to retain their title this season. Montpellier have also been knocked out of the Champions League. With the Coupe de la Ligue appearing to
be a silver lining, the team will give their best shot to win the cup.
La Paillade have been pretty impressive in the tournament so far, as they knocked out favourites Girondins de Bordeaux and OGC Nice, out of the tournament. The club has a talented young squad, including Remy Cabella, Younes Belhanda and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa,
that has what it takes to go all the way to win the cup.
Montpellier would be facing Stade Rennais in their upcoming Coupe de la Ligue fixture, and it’s essential that La Paillade should provide a strong defensive display as the Rennes-based club is one of the strongest attacking sides of the competition.
Stade Rennais FC (vs Montpellier HSC)
Frederic Antonetti has found the perfect mix of young players and talented veterans in his squad, and that serves him well. Stade Rennais are among the strongest candidates for lifting the Coupe de la Ligue.
With the likes of Romain Alessandrini, Mevlut Erding and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonathan-Pitroipa-c19052, Les Rouges-et-Noirs attacking potential exhibits versatility. However, Antonetti’s men have their defensive problems, and are known for conceding late goals.
The Rennes-based club are determined to end their run of trophy less seasons, and bring home some silverware, with the League cup appearing to be their desired target.
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