Caen look to avoid Alsatian mauling

Strasbourg's Mickael Pagis (L) controls the ball next to Lille's midfielder Stephane Dumont on April 23, 2005. French league strugglers Caen will be looking to avoid a mauling by Alsatian side Strasbourg when the first division rivals meet in Saturday night's French League Cup final at the Stade de France.

French league strugglers Caen will be looking to avoid a mauling by Alsatian side Strasbourg when the first division rivals meet in Saturday night's French League Cup final at the Stade de France.

Caen, who this season hold the dubious honour of having the worst defensive French league record with 53 goals conceded in 34 games, will be looking to save face before an almost certain drop back into the Second Division next season.

The Normandy side advanced to the final with a stunning 3-1 win over high-flying Monaco, but last weekend's league loss at home to Bastia leaves them second from bottom of the league.

They enter this weekend's final as underdogs having fallen to a humiliating 5-0 loss to Strasbourg, who were inspired by a Mickael Pagis hattrick in their last meeting in the French league in February.

The Alastians, who claimed the title in 1997 on penalties after the tie with Bordeaux ended in a goalless draw, advanced to the final with a 1-0 win over Saint Etienne.

But they too have had a mediocre season and are currently slumbering in 14th position.

Both sides will be looking to come away with some silverware this season even if it is the much-maligned League Cup title which many believe is overcrowding an alreadly full calendar.

Caen have injury worries with coach Patrick Remy having to do without five players sidelined with various ailements.

Serbian midfielder Ljubisa Rankovic is suffering from a thigh injury while Samy Mawene (knee), Gregory Dufer (adductors), Yoan Gouffran (groin) and Kor Sarr (knee) have left their side severely short-handed. Remy has also opted to leave out midfielders Igor Matic and Salah Bakour.

Strasbourg coach Jacky Dugueperoux meanwhile has opted to stick with Remy Vercoutre, who has served them well in goal in League Cup matches this season, in place of Stephane Cassard.

Defender Karim Haggui is recovering from undergoing right shoulder surgery Wednesday, with Abdel Fahmi recovering from a knee problem.

But Strasbourg have been boosted by the return of midfielder Sidi Keita who suffered a calf injury in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Lille but has been given the all clear to compete in Paris.