USM Annaba vs Paradou AC - Ligue 2

The Ligue 2 returns to the home ground on October 2, 2026, where USM Annaba and Paradou AC will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Mason Mount has been outstanding for Man Utd in pre-season but he could still face fierce competition for a place in Michael Carrick's side next season.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Ligue 2 contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. 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. Central midfield remains a position Leeds are keen to add in despite so far failing to reach an agreement with Southampton for Shea Charles.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. USM Annaba may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Paradou AC have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. 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.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Free agent defender Oscar Mingueza can play as a right-back and a central defender and provides Palace with the flexibility they need for five at the back.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Ligue 2 standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Fulham's Antonee Robinson could be one of those, who would likely be a cheaper alternative to Hall, who has just enjoyed a breakout season with the Magpies.