Grenoble vs Estac Troyes - Ligue 2

The history between Grenoble and Estac Troyes lends this Ligue 2 fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on May 9, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

There is little to choose between Grenoble and Estac Troyes on paper, and the Ligue 2 encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts have mirrored the form of a side still searching for rhythm — W over their last five, a win rate of 33.33%. Estac Troyes will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. It remains to be seen if Leeds will target a No 10 or a winger capable of playing inside now that Brandt is off the table.

Pressing intensity will define the contest. Grenoble will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate Estac Troyes's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. There is interest in adding another forward player who can play in one of those wide No 10 roles behind the striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Sage is expected to continue with at Selhurst Park.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Man Utd are trying to sign another midfielder before the summer transfer deadline and Brighton star Carlos Baleba is on their radar.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With positions in the Ligue 2 table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.