Preview: Pau vs. Grenoble Foot 38, Ligue 2

PARIS (Interstat) — A tightly contested Ligue 2 match is forecast for Friday when Pau hosts Grenoble Foot 38, with a statistical projection pointing toward a 1-1 draw.

The matchup at Stade du Hameau follows a 1-1 stalemate between the clubs in Grenoble on Oct. 17. Both sides are seeking consistency as the French second division season progresses.

Pau (8-10-5) enters following a wild 3-3 draw with Rodez on Jan. 3. Their form has been mixed, with a notable 1-0 victory at Montpellier on Dec. 6 preceded by a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to amateur side Amiens AC U19 in the Coupe de France. They have shown resilience, fighting back for the draw at Rodez, but defensively have been vulnerable, conceding three goals in three of their last five matches across all competitions.

Grenoble Foot 38 (7-11-5) looks to rebound from a 1-0 home loss to Bastia on Jan. 3. Prior to that, they were on a modest three-match unbeaten run in league play (1-2-0), including a 1-1 draw with top-flight Montpellier in the cup. Their road form has been erratic, with a 3-2 win at Amiens in November but also a 3-1 loss at Boulogne and a 1-0 defeat at Red Star in October.

The statistical projection from Interstat suggests another deadlock, mirroring the result of their October meeting.

Following Friday’s contest, Pau will prepare for a trip to Red Star on Feb. 6. Grenoble Foot 38 will host Amiens AC U19 in the Coupe de France on Jan. 30 before returning to league action at FC Annecy on Feb. 6.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. local time (1800 GMT) in Pau.