In a crucial match for their survival in Ligue 1, Valenciennes is set to face Girondins de Bordeaux at the Hainaut stadium on Sunday for the 36th day of the league. For the northerners, victory is not just an option but a necessity, as they require a miracle to secure their place in Ligue 1 next season.
However, Valenciennes will have to cope without Tongo Doumbia for this crucial encounter, as the Malian midfielder is unavailable due to illness. Doumbia, known for his quiet demeanor off the field and his tenacity on it, has become indispensable to Valenciennes’ aspirations of maintaining their Ligue 1 status. Additionally, the team will also be without Mody Traoré due to injury.
Coming off a defeat against Guingamp in the previous match (1-0), Valenciennes currently sits in 19th place, almost confirming their relegation to Ligue 2, trailing by nine points behind the first non-relegation team. The task ahead seems daunting: Valenciennes must win their remaining three matches and hope for their competitors to stumble. However, achieving such a feat seems improbable for a team that has struggled to secure three consecutive victories this season.
Against Bordeaux, Ariel Jacobs’ men will aim to prolong their survival hopes for a little longer.
The Valenciennes squad for the match includes: Novaes, Penneteau – Angoua, Ciss, Kagelmacher, Lala, Masuaku, Medjani, Nery – Camara, Dossevi, Ducourtioux, Enza-Yamissi, Melikson – Bahebeck, Le Tallec, Pujol, Waris.
Tags: Bordeaux, France, Ghana, Ligue 1, maintenance, Tongo Doumbia, Valenciennes, Waris
