Montpellier vs Estac Troyes - Ligue 2

The Ligue 2 returns to the home ground on April 4, 2026, where Montpellier and Estac Troyes will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Chelsea could do with a morale-boosting win when they face AC Milan in Jakarta.

Both Montpellier and Estac Troyes will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Ligue 2. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — W across their last five with a win rate of 50% — and they will want to push on from here. Estac Troyes will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. The midfielder faces a significant period on the sidelines after being stretchered off during Uruguay's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the recent FIFA World Cup.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Montpellier favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Estac Troyes are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Every word from Enzo Maresca's press conference including Man City team news and Manchester derby admission.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Aston Villa have beaten Newcastle to the signing of Johan Manzambi after completing a club-record £59.5m deal for the midfielder from Freiburg.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the Ligue 2 table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.