Ligue 2 Relegation Battle: Amiens Host Laval in Crucial Showdown
Round 20 of Ligue 2 features a critical relegation battle as Amiens host Laval. Both teams are currently struggling near the bottom of the table, with Amiens in 16th place and Laval in 17th. The outcome of this match will significantly impact their fight to avoid relegation to the Championnat National.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This fixture marks Round 20 of the Ligue 2 season, with Amiens SC hosting Stade Lavallois at the Stade de la Licorne. This is a vital relegation showdown for both teams, as they are currently hovering near the drop zone. After 19 rounds, Amiens sit in 16th place with 18 points, while Laval are just below them in 17th with 15 points. With 18 clubs competing in Ligue 2, teams at the bottom face the threat of relegation to the Championnat National, making every point in this encounter crucial for their survival hopes.
Recent Form
Amiens' recent form has been mixed, with three wins and two losses in their last five official matches. They suffered a 0-2 league defeat to Annecy FC on January 16, 2026, but then secured a 4-2 victory against Montreuil in the Coupe de France. Another league loss came on January 3, a 1-2 defeat to Nancy. Prior to these results, Amiens had shown their winning capability with a 2-0 Coupe de France win against Le Havre and a 2-1 league victory over Pau FC. In stark contrast, Laval's recent performance is a major concern, as they have lost all five of their last matches. Their most recent outing on January 16, 2026, saw them fall 0-2 to Bastia in the league. This poor run includes a 0-2 loss to Istres in the Coupe de France, a 1-4 league defeat to Clermont, a 0-1 Coupe de France loss to Guingamp, and a 1-2 league loss to USL Dunkerque. This bleak run of form will undoubtedly cast a shadow over their away fixture against Amiens.
Key Players & Injury News
For Amiens, key attacking players include Yvan Ikia Dimi, who has contributed 5 goals and 2 assists this season, and Ilyes Hamache, who has scored 5 goals. Midfielder Thomas Monconduit is also crucial for offensive play with 2 assists. On the injury front, Amiens will be without Victor Lobry, who has missed seven matches due to a cruciate ligament tear. Left-back Arvin Appiah has also been out for five matches with an Achilles tendon contusion. Additionally, midfielder Ibrahim Fofana and right-back Amine Chabane are at risk of suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. For Laval, their attack relies on Ethan Clavreul, who has scored 5 goals this season, and Malik Tchokounté and Julien Maggiotti, both with 4 goals. Defensively, a significant blow is the long-term absence of key defender Peter Ouaneh, who underwent surgery on October 31, 2025, for a ruptured patellar tendon, severely impacting Laval's defensive capabilities.