TROYES, France (Interstat) — A crucial Ligue 2 clash with playoff implications is set for Saturday when Troyes hosts Boulogne at Stade de l’Aube.

The match pits a Troyes side seeking to rebound from a rare defeat against a Boulogne team desperate to convert draws into a victory.

Troyes (12-6-8) enters the contest following a 2-1 road loss to Rodez on Monday, which snapped a formidable seven-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. Prior to that, Troyes had been in scintillating form, averaging over three goals per game during that run. Their attack, which produced five goals in a match twice last month, will be confident against a Boulogne defense they recently solved.

Boulogne (5-10-11) arrives with momentum from a gritty 0-0 home draw against Le Mans FC last Saturday. However, finding the net has been a persistent challenge. The visitors are mired in a three-match scoring drought in league play and have been shut out in four of their last five outings. Their last goal came in a 4-2 win over Amiens AC U19 on March 6.

The recent head-to-head history favors the hosts. In their last meeting on Dec. 15, Troyes secured a 2-1 victory at Boulogne’s Stade de la Libération.

Troyes currently sits higher in the table and will look to attacking talents who fueled their recent surge to overpower Boulogne. Manager David Guion will demand a response after the Rodez setback. For Boulogne, manager Laurent Guyot’s priority will be organizing a stubborn defensive block and seeking opportunities on the counter-attack to end their offensive dry spell.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the match is projected to end in a 1-1 draw, suggesting a tightly contested affair.

For Boulogne, the fixture begins a critical stretch as they fight to climb clear of the relegation zone. They will host Dunkerque U19 on April 27. Troyes, with an eye on a promotion playoff spot, will turn around to face Thonon Evian Grand Geneve FC next Saturday before a trip to Saint-Etienne II on April 25.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time (1900 GMT).