Rodez vs Nancy - Ligue 2

A fascinating Ligue 2 chapter awaits on September 18, 2026 when Rodez take on Nancy at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.

A glance at the Ligue 2 table tells the story: Rodez in 11th and Nancy in 10th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Consistency has eluded Rodez in recent weeks, with L in their last five and a win rate of 33.33% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. Nancy have blown hot and cold, L across their last five and a season win rate of 33.33%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. During his 22 matches in charge, Oxford actually ranked as high as 14th in the table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Rodez will look to impose their style on home soil, while Nancy are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. It isn't clear yet that this will definitely be a winger, with Maresca and sporting director Hugo Viana flexible over their attack.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman Y. Fofana, whose 5 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Liverpool have big hopes for Jeremy Jacquet having invested £60m to bring the highly regarded young central defender to Anfield this summer.

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. Given the balance of the numbers, Nancy look capable of springing a surprise on the road — a 2-3 away victory is a distinct possibility. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.