Pau 0-1 Nancy result, stats and report

Nancy took all three points at Pau through a late substitute goal, winning a match that the home side dominated in volume but never in quality. The structure of Pau's attacking play was the problem nobody is talking about.

Montpellier took all three points in Ligue 2 with a 1-0 victory at Nancy, a substitute deciding the match with a left-foot finish in the 72nd minute. Nancy dominated possession and created more volume, but Montpellier's efficiency and defensive organisation proved the difference.

Nancy controlled the majority of proceedings at Boulogne on the opening weekend of the Ligue 2 season, generating the better chances and finishing with 62% possession, but could not find the goal their performance deserved in a frustrating goalless draw.

Rodez carry one of the most productive home records in the early Ligue 2 season into Friday's fixture, but Nancy have yet to lose on their travels this term and arrive in no mood to be written off.

Nancy have conceded 13 goals in their last five home matches without a single clean sheet, and Reims arrive in decent away form with goals in their legs. This has the makings of a proper tactical puzzle.

Nantes sit bottom of Ligue 2 with zero points from two games, and Nancy are hardly arriving in confident mood either. Monday night at the Stade de la Beaujoire has the feel of a fixture neither side can afford to lose.

Nancy host Dunkerque on Friday 28 August in a Ligue 2 fixture that the underlying data suggests will produce goals at both ends. Marcus Vale breaks down the form, the structural concerns, and where the value lies.

Jay Thompson breaks down Friday night's Ligue 2 opener as Pau host Nancy at 19:00. Two sides low on confidence, one goal between them in two games each. This one could go any way. Here's what you need to know before kick-off.