USM Annaba vs US Chaouia - Ligue 2

When USM Annaba and US Chaouia clash at the home ground on October 9, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Ligue 2 fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

There is plenty riding on this Ligue 2 encounter for USM Annaba and US Chaouia 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. US Chaouia will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. If he finds a way of those three players gelling and playing together - making one of them run in beyond - then Chelsea will have a very good season.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both USM Annaba and US Chaouia have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

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. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. The biggest move of the window will be the increasingly likely departure of Rodri, assuming Barcelona are able to match the asking price for the midfielder who wants to move to the La Liga giants.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Ligue 2 picture. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.