MSP Batna vs CR Béni Thour - Ligue 2

There is a notable edge to this Ligue 2 fixture. When MSP Batna meet CR Béni Thour at the home ground on October 9, 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.

There is plenty riding on this Ligue 2 encounter for MSP Batna and CR Béni Thour alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Those who followed Morocco's recent World Cup campaign will recognise the name Ayyoub Bouaddi.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. MSP Batna will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while CR Béni Thour will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Man Utd are pushing higher and working harder to press and counter-press the opposition, especially to win the ball back quickly after a loss of possession.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Adama Traore was even able to get away with a quite extraordinary headed own goal on debut.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. 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. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Ligue 2 picture. The team currently most likely to win the 2026 WNBA Finals according to Opta.