Granville vs Bayonne - National 2 - Group B

All eyes turn to the home ground on August 21, 2026 as Granville welcome Bayonne in a National 2 - Group B encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. Altrincham vs Manchester United U21s highlights and reaction from pre-season fixture.

The standings add context to the occasion — Granville occupying 9th, Bayonne perched in 1st — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. The hosts have mirrored the form of a side still searching for rhythm — D over their last five, a win rate of 25%. The visitors have been a force on their travels, W in their last five and a campaign win rate of 100% that demands respect. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Granville average 1.5 per game to Bayonne's 1.75, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Larson has not visited Victory Lane since May last year but remains firmly in championship contention, sitting eighth in the standings as the NASCAR Chase approaches in September.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Granville will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Bayonne will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Andoni Iraola could not have been clearer about how he plans to change Liverpool when speaking in his opening press conference.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. The Dutch striker faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford with repeated links over a move away.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Bayonne look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 2-3 victory well within their reach. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".