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Caen are playing without four important first team players

The away team have defeated Milan's combined lineup, but they have a different test ahead of them in Chateauroux

Chateauroux failed to continue their undefeated run in Metz, but they provided strong resistance. They were competitive with the strong hosts throughout all 90 minutes, and they conceded the only goal from a corner.  

- I am disappointed, considering how much we invested in the game. We lacked firmness in some parts of the game, as well as concentration. The approach was great, just like in the previous weeks. We have to keep that - said coach Tholot.

They have another difficult test against Caen, but their "ally" will be the artificial grass of Gaston Petit stadium. Regardless of their awful form in the first five-six rounds, they were defeated at home only against Tours, when they suffered a complete breakdown. 

- They achieved a great result against Milan and they are arriving here filled with confidence. They are a complete team: they have technicians in the midfield, fast runners on the wings and they are very dangerous from set pieces - said fullback Dudouit, away team's former junior player. 

The break, in which they played a friendly match against a selection of players without a club, was welcomed for recovery. Midfielder Tainmont and forward Dupuis are returning to the team. Of the more important players, only suspended defender Bain is absent.

Caen has disappointed in their last league game in Nimes, but they have redeemed themselves in a spectacular way. On the occasion of the club's centenary, they played against the great Milan (in a combined selection), and they won 3-0. However, coach Garande didn't get too conceited:

- Milan played in a friendly way while we approached the game seriously. We showed a lot of potential, but we have to repeat that against a team that will fight harder. 

They have a lot of problems with absences: standard center back duo Wague-Saad is out of action (Wing/back Appiah will be playing in the middle). Midfielders Agouazi (the captain) and Kodjia, and winger Nangis are also absent. Old master Rother also won't be playing due to a disagreement with Garande and it seems he is close to contract termination. 

On the list of the passengers are three players who still haven't played this season, including potential newcomer to the professional level, midfielder Beaulieu from the B-team (5th league). 

There is no doubt that Caen are the better team and will end up above Chateauroux, but in their current situation, with almost half of the team on the sidelines, I cannot see them as the favorites. The home team is in good form, especially on their own ground and will field their best eleven. In their last six matches at Petit they lost none, and only have one loss in their last five games overall.
The win over Milan will certainly boost the away team's motivation, but the effect could be the opposite as well. In any case, they cannot be more motivated than the home team who are fighting to stay in the league.