Rodez faces Inter Club d'Escaldes in a friendly match this Saturday at 13:00 UTC, a preparatory fixture ahead of a key Ligue 2 clash. The Andorran side, coming off mixed results against FC Santa Coloma and FC Andorra, provides a routine test for a Ruthénois side lacking confidence.
The club enters the international break on the back of three consecutive league defeats. The latest outing, a 3-4 home loss to Nancy on September 18th, was a frustrating affair despite goals from Raphael Lipinski and Jean Lambert Evan's. That result cemented an uncomfortable league position, with the team currently sitting 14th on just seven points from seven games.
Their last win dates back to August 22nd at Nantes (2-5), and the need to rediscover a winning rhythm is clear. The manager may use this friendly to test some adjustments or give minutes to squad players. The typical starting eleven deployed against Nancy, in a 4-4-2 with Crombez in goal and players like Lipinski or Antonin Cartillier providing support, showed attacking promise but defensive vulnerability.
The main objective remains preparation for the trip to the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard to face league leaders Saint-Étienne on October 10th. That key match represents a chance to turn the tide during a difficult phase of the schedule. Saturday's friendly must serve as a springboard for that encounter.
