Le Puy (home)
- Le Puy are on a two-game losing streak, but they have won two and lost one of their last three home games.
- Le Puy are eighth with 23 points from 16 games and are the more settled of the two sides in mid-table.
- Stephane Dief has done a good job since taking over as manager in July 2023 and his 4-4-2 formations are set up to play direct and take advantage of any transition situations.
- Le Puy average 1.33 goals per home game in National 2025/2026 with a record of three wins, four draws and two defeats.
- But Dief’s compactness and ability to get bodies behind the ball has helped his side to punch above their weight at times this season.
- They were then beaten 2-0 away to Dijon in their most recent league game.
Valenciennes FC (away)
- Valenciennes FC are winless in their last two away games (1 draw, 1 defeat).
- Valenciennes FC are four points behind Le Puy, sitting 12th after 15 games in National 2025-2026.
- Stéphane Moulin’s Valenciennes FC face a stiff test of their tactical discipline on Friday when they travel to Le Puy in what promises to be a tactical chess match.
- In contrast, Moulin is a system-first man who likes to set his sides up with the ball more than sit back and wait for counters.
- He is likely to try and control the game in a patient build-up and give his forwards plenty of freedom to make runs in behind the opposition’s defense.
- Valenciennes FC beat Bourg en Bresse Peronnas 3-1 at home three days ago to stop the rot after losing their previous game at home to Sochaux 1-0 five weeks ago.
- The problem with this style of play is that Valenciennes are not much of a threat away from home and have won none, drawn four and lost three of their seven away games in National 2025/2026, averaging just 0.71 goals per away game.
Key Players
- Clement Rodrigues is the top scorer for Le Puy in National 2025/2026 with five goals in 15 appearances and can be a major threat up front on Friday.
- Charles Abi has scored three goals in 10 games and provides a focal point for the away side.
- Marvin Adelaide has scored two of Le Puy’s last five goals and looks a tempting option to score any time against Valenciennes.
Betting Insights
The oddsmakers are leaning towards the hosts at 2.06 , while the visitors are 3.38 and the draw is 3.14 .
Prediction
Le Puy have the better home record and Valenciennes are struggling away, so we will take the hosts to edge it in what should be a tight contest.
