Valenciennes Prepare for Final Home Match of the Season Against Monaco as Relegation Looms
The end of the season is proving to be a long and challenging one for Valenciennes, as they face the grim reality of relegation from Ligue 1. Having endured a five-match losing streak, the Northerners will host AS Monaco on Saturday for the 37th matchday of the season, marking their final home appearance of the campaign.
With relegation already confirmed, Valenciennes’ focus will be on finishing the season as strongly as possible, despite a series of setbacks. Coach Ariel Jacobs will be without several key players for this encounter, including Franco-Togolese winger Matthieu Dossevi, striker Jean-Christophe Bahebeck, and midfielder Mahamadou Traoré, who is still recovering from injury. However, Jacobs will be able to count on the return of forward Seydou Doumbia and will rely on the attacking strength of Ghanaian striker Majeed Waris, who has been a consistent performer for the team in recent months.
Having gone without a win in their last seven matches and with just one point from the last 21 available, Valenciennes’ fate in Ligue 1 has been sealed. They will be relegated to Ligue 2 for next season. Despite the challenges, Jacobs will be keen to see his side put in a solid performance in front of their home supporters, as they aim to salvage some pride in their final fixtures.
Valenciennes’ Squad for the Monaco Match:
Goalkeepers: Novaes, Penneteau
Defenders: Ciss, Kagelmacher, Lala, Masuaku, Mater, Medjani, Rose
Midfielders: Camara, Da Silva, Doumbia, Ducourtioux, Enza-Yamissi, Melikson
Forwards: Le Tallec, Pujol, Waris
Injured Players: Dossevi (uncertain), Nguette (hamstring), Bahebeck (illness), M. Traoré (recovery)
As Valenciennes prepare to face Monaco, their supporters will be hoping to see a performance that reflects the determination and spirit of the club, despite the inevitable relegation.
