Grenoble vs Annecy

<div> <h2>Grenoble vs Annecy: Cagey Alps Derby Likely at the Stade des Alpes</h2> <p><strong>Kick-off:</strong> Friday 19 September 2025, 20:00 local (18:00 UTC)</p> <h3>Context and Stakes</h3> <p>It’s an early-season meeting between two mid-table aspirants striving for rhythm rather than fireworks. Both Grenoble and Annecy sit on five points from their opening five Ligue 2 fixtures, and while promotion talk is premature, these are the matches that shape the middle third of the table. With six days’ rest after their last outing, both sides should arrive fresh and focused.</p> <h3>What the Numbers Say</h3> <p>All signs point towards a low-scoring contest. Grenoble’s home profile screams control: 2.00 points per game, only 0.50 goals conceded per game, and a 100% hit-rate on under 2.5 goals. Annecy’s away profile is even starker—0.33 goals per game, 67% failed-to-score rate, and 0% BTTS away.</p> <p>Situationally, this matters. Grenoble’s lead-defending rate at home is 100%, and Annecy’s equalizing rate overall sits at 0%. If the hosts do draw first blood, the visitors have shown little sign of coming back. Timing trends amplify this: Grenoble have a knack for late goals (two already in the 76–90’ band), while Annecy have yet to score in any second half this season and have conceded two late.</p> <h3>Key Players and Tactical Themes</h3> <p>Grenoble’s defensive cornerstone is goalkeeper Mamadou Diop (24 saves, 7.2 rating). In front of him, Stone Mambo and Matthéo Xantippe have won their duels at healthy clips, and full-backs Paquiez/Delos chip in with progression and the odd key pass. Up top, the goals are spread—Bangré, Valls, Diaby, Elphege, and Mambo each have one—indicating collective rather than individual threat, and aligning with the low total-goals expectation.</p> <p>Annecy rely heavily on Clément Billemaz (2G, 1A), but both of his goals arrived at home. On the road, chances have been scarce for Rambaud and Neelakandan, and midfield anchors Ahmed Kashi and Vincent Pajot provide bite more than box penetration. Expect Annecy to focus on compactness, counter-moments, and set plays, but they have yet to produce sustained away pressure.</p> <h3>Odds, Angles, and Value</h3> <p>The market broadly reflects the low-total narrative. Under 2.5 at 1.67 is close to fair but still backable given the dual 100% venue trends. If you prefer insurance on the result, Grenoble Draw No Bet at 1.65 ties neatly to their 2.00 PPG and 100% home lead-defending rate, along with Annecy’s 0.00 PPG when conceding first. BTTS No at 1.85 also rates well against Annecy’s 0% away BTTS.</p> <p>For braver bettors, “Away team to score a goal – No” at 2.62 offers chunky value against Annecy’s 67% away FTS and Grenoble’s 50% home clean sheets. The Result/Total combo of Grenoble & Under 2.5 at 4.50 captures the frequently observed 1-0/2-0 path—this is the classic Ligue 2 home squeeze outcome.</p> <h3>Likely Match Pattern</h3> <p>Look for Grenoble to set the tone, reduce volatility, and take few risks. Annecy’s away numbers suggest they’ll struggle to generate high-quality looks, especially after the interval. If a breakthrough arrives, it’s likelier to be Grenoble—either early (Grenoble’s average first strike at home is minute 3) or late when Annecy have tended to sag.</p> <h3>Prediction</h3> <p>A tight, tactical affair with limited chances. Grenoble’s structure and Annecy’s road anemia tilt the needle towards the hosts in a low total.</p> <p><strong>Best bet:</strong> Under 2.5 goals. <br/> <strong>Correct score lean:</strong> Grenoble 1-0.</p> </div>