Grenoble vs Caen Prediction & Betting Tips (16 September)

Grenoble lost some very important players this summer. Tourraine (Paris FC), winger Sbaï (6 goals, 3 assists last season), the important Sanyang (Hajduk Split), his historic starting goalkeeper Maubleu (Saint-Etienne), and the Moldovan international Postolachi (3 goals last season). In terms of arrivals, the very interesting Alan Kerouedan (Avranches, 15 goals in N1 last year) and the young Elphege (13 goals with Niort at the same level) joined the ranks of the Isérois like Mamady Bangré ( Toulouse), defender Mouyokolo (Lorient) and goalkeeper Pattier (Concarneau). In terms of the infirmary, the potential holder in midfield Touray will have to withdraw, like central defender Nestor. Every summer it's always the same surprise. Although Alexandre Mendy finished top scorer in Ligue 2 with 22 goals to his name, he kept his place in Caen. Obviously comfortably installed in Normandy, he was however on the start (sidelined during the first 2 matches) and finally remained in Caen to the great happiness of the leaders.

Back in the group during J3 at home, he should soon find a starting place in the group, in place of Le Bihan (4-3-3) or associated with the latter (4-3-1- 2 or 4-4-2). This summer, Stade Malherbe recruited former international Yann M'Vila and Ruthenian Lorenzo Rajot. Conversely, midfielder M'Bock (Brest) and striker Salama (Reims) saw their loan period end. Ali Abdi (9 goals last year) left the club in the final moments of the transfer window to join OGCN. All 5 absent against Annecy, Lamine Sy and Ntim, the important Henry, and the less used Bolumbu and Traoré will not be available. However, starting playmaker Brahimi returned from injury against Annecy.

Grenoble have played four matches since securing their place in the Ligue 2, with no fewer than three of these encounters producing a clean sheet at one end of the pitch. This has also been the case in seven of the previous nine top-flight fixtures involving Caen, so any deviation from this script would come as a bit of a surprise.