Rodez vs Estac Troyes - Ligue 2

There is a notable edge to this Ligue 2 fixture. When Rodez meet Estac Troyes at the home ground on April 13, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. It has not been a daunting fixture list but there are signs that Mourinho has found a way to get the best from an increasingly stacked Madrid squad.

There is little to choose between Rodez and Estac Troyes on paper, and the Ligue 2 encounter should reflect that balance. Rodez have blown hot and cold, L across their last five and a win rate of 33.33% that leaves room for improvement. Estac Troyes will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Michael Carrick has spoken on why Marcus Rashford did not feature for Manchester United in the club's most recent pre-season outing.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Rodez will look to impose their style on home soil, while Estac Troyes are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

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. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. In his latest Sky Sports column, Paul Merson says he would be worried by Roberto De Zerbi's post-match comments criticising Spurs' forward players and medical staff.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 2-2 draw is easy to envisage. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Ligue 2 standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.