In a high-stakes encounter in the Coupe de France, Annecy squares off against Grenoble on November 28, 2025, at Parc des Sports. With both teams eager to secure progression in this knockout format, the intensity will be palpable. Annecy enters with a sliver of momentum from recent victories, while Grenoble aims to rebound after a lackluster run of form. Who will emerge as the victor and continue their cup aspirations?
Predicted Lineups:
Expect both teams to stick with formations that reflect their recent tactical preferences: Annecy: GK: Thomas Callens, DEF: Julien Kouadio/Axel Drouhin/Francois Lajugie, MID: Ahmed Kashi/Alexis Casadei/Clement Billemaz/Triston Rowe, FWD: Josué Tiendrebeogo/Abdel Hbouch/Antoine Larose. Grenoble: GK: Mamadou Diop, DEF: Mattheo Xantippe/Gaëtan Paquiez/Shaquil Delos/Mambo Stone Muzalimoja/Clement Vidal, MID: Jessy Benet/Samba Diba/Theo Valls, FWD: Nesta Elphege/Nesta Zahui.
Both sides present contrasting narratives leading into this match. On one hand, Annecy's latest display against Bastia showcased not just resilience but an attacking resolve that belied their occasional struggles in Ligue 2. The win (1-0) highlighted their defensive solidity with only three shots on goal conceded-indicative of a team tightening its grip on matches when it counts. Conversely, Grenoble's recent outing against Boulogne (1-3) was marked by defensive frailty and missed opportunities; their inability to convert possession into meaningful chances raises concerns.
The tactical landscape suggests Annecy may look to exploit any gaps left by a Grenoble defense that has shown vulnerability under pressure. With an average possession rate hovering around 54% in their last match versus Bastia and superior pass accuracy at 76%, Annecy seems poised to maintain control in midfield.
The statistics highlight how these two teams have trended over recent weeks. Take shots on target for instance; Annecy managed only three against Bastia but recorded significant attacking threat with 18 total shots-a stark contrast to Grenoble's inconsistent output that peaked at seven shots on target against Boulogne but saw them yield double-digit attempts against them too often lately.
In terms of individual impact players for each side: watch out for Abdel Hbouch for Annecy-though he netted just once this season across 14 appearances so far, his ability to drift and create space could be crucial in breaking down the well-organized five-man backline that Grenoble tends to employ. Meanwhile, the spotlight is firmly on Yadaly Diaby for Grenoble; with five goals thus far in the league campaign and showing flashes of brilliance through his dribbling skills and shot placement, he presents the kind of game-changing potential every coach dreams about.
Moreover, if we delve deeper into player metrics such as those from recent fixtures or overall contributions throughout the season, notable figures like Mattheo Xantippe stand out defensively for Grenoble-his formidable dueling capabilities underscore his centrality to their strategy. He frequently tops duels won-a pattern emerging from games where they had higher control stats than opponents yet still fell short due to lapses in concentration at key moments.
Yet statistical interpretation reveals critical battlegrounds beyond mere scoring capabilities; consider disciplinary records where both squads have demonstrated a propensity towards fouls-20 committed by Annecy last week reflects heightened frustration amid intense competition levels typical of knockout football.
With each squad eyeing progress beyond this round following a rough patch leading into this tournament phase-it remains paramount they each play smart without allowing emotional spikes or fatigue from poor outings adversely affect discipline during key moments.
Given all observed patterns-the combination of resilience paired with relatively stronger collective forms leads us towards an early conclusion: expect an aggressive stance from both sides vying for dominance particularly early on but ultimately predicting an edge for Annecy based on head-to-head history which finds them already boasting victories earlier this season.
So mark your calendars; there's more than just pride riding on this match-it's survival within France's storied cup competition that will hold center stage as fans flock toward Parc des Sports hoping witness who emerges victorious amidst tension-filled drama! If current trends remain unbroken? A tightly contested victory should see Annecy advancing past Grenoble yet again-the final score might tilt ever so slightly in favor of the hosts!