Le Mans are expected to line up in a 4-3-3, with Louis Mafouta leading the line and Brahimi providing creative spark from the flanks. Their midfield trio will look to control possession and feed the front three, but they must be wary of Lorient's pressing trap. The visitors are likely to deploy their usual 3-4-2-1, with Noah Mbamba dictating tempo from deep and the wing-backs pushing high to stretch the play. Dujeux's system is built on solidity first: the back three of Sylla, Talbi and Adjei are well-drilled, and they will happily cede possession to Le Mans before hitting on the counter.

The key battleground will be in central midfield. Le Mans' three-man engine room must find a way to bypass Lorient's midfield block, which is expert at cutting off passing lanes and forcing turnovers. If the home side get frustrated and start playing hopeful long balls, Lorient's defenders will gobble them up. Out wide, Le Mans' full-backs will be tasked with containing Lorient's wing-backs, but that leaves space in behind for the likes of Bernardeau and Makengo to exploit. Set-pieces could also be a factor: Lorient's height in defence makes them a threat from dead balls, while Le Mans have shown vulnerability in the air.