Dunkerque vs Grenoble - Ligue 2

There is a notable edge to this Ligue 2 fixture. When Dunkerque meet Grenoble at the home ground on August 8, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

The standings paint a clear picture: Dunkerque in 8th, Grenoble in 12th, and both keen to climb. The hosts have struggled for consistency, WDLLD in their last five pointing to a win rate of 33.33%. The visitors have been a mixed bag on the road, W in their last five and a win rate of 33.33% reflecting their unpredictability. The contrast in attacking output — 1.67 versus 1.17 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyses the big talking points from the first round of Women's Super League matches, bringing you closer to the key stories at the heart of the women's game.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Dunkerque will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Grenoble will back themselves to cause problems on the break. They are sticking to the principles of possession and pressing that have taken them from the fourth tier.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman I. Baldé, whose 5 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. How much are they willing to pay for that?The post Ornstein: Man City refuse to engage with unserious €45m offer for midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. All signs point towards a home win, with Dunkerque favoured to come out on top by a 2-1 scoreline. Whatever the outcome, the Ligue 2 fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".