Pre-match analysis
Club Profile
Boulogne vs Annecy: When the Underdog Meets the High-Flyer
Boulogne hosts Annecy at Stade de la Libération on May 2, 2026, in a Ligue 2 clash that pits a team fighting for survival against one pushing for the upper half of the table. With the visitors arriving in blistering form and the hosts struggling to find the net, this fixture carries more weight than the standings alone might suggest.
Can Boulogne Finally Break Their Scoring Drought?
At first glance, this match appears to be a straightforward affair. Annecy arrive with momentum, confidence, and goals—eleven in their last five outings alone. Their 5-1 demolition of Pau on April 24 was a statement of intent, following a 5-1 away win at Nancy the week before. Laurent Guyot's side has found its rhythm at the perfect moment, climbing to 14 wins in 32 matches and sitting comfortably in mid-table with 46 goals scored.
Boulogne, by contrast, are in a precarious position. With only 9 wins all season and a goal difference of -13, they are looking over their shoulder. The numbers are stark: just two goals in their last five matches, and a run of three consecutive 0-0 draws before a heavy 6-2 home defeat to Dunkerque. Their attacking output ranks among the lowest in the division, and their radar score of 4/100 for attack tells its own story.
The cotes reflect this imbalance. Annecy are clear favourites at 2.76, with Boulogne priced at 4.2 and the draw at 4.1. The market sees a visiting victory as the most probable outcome, and on paper, it is hard to argue.
The Resistance of the Underdog: Why Boulogne Could Hold Firm
But football rarely follows a straight line. Boulogne may lack firepower, but they have shown resilience. Three consecutive clean sheets before the Dunkerque collapse suggest a defensive structure that can frustrate opponents. Their discipline radar score of 70/100 is the highest among the two teams, and they have conceded only two goals in their last four matches before that heavy defeat.
There is also the context of the fixture. Annecy's away form is erratic: they have scored 2.5 goals per game on the road but conceded the same number. Their 4-0 defeat at Saint-Étienne on March 21 and a 5-1 thrashing of Nancy away show the extremes. Boulogne, playing at home, will look to exploit that defensive vulnerability while keeping things tight at the back.
The head-to-head record adds another layer. The last meeting in October 2025 ended 1-1 in Annecy, and the previous encounters in National 1 were often tight. Boulogne have drawn three of their last five matches overall, suggesting they can absorb pressure and escape with a point. The draw at 4.1 might offer value for those who see a low-scoring stalemate.
Compositions, Absences, and the Faces of the Match
Boulogne's probable XI features Blondy Nna Noukeu in goal, with Demba Thiam and Siad Gourville anchoring the defence. The midfield relies on Nolan Binet and Martin Lecolier, who have each contributed a goal recently. The attack is led by Jérémy Martin and Jérémy Bultel, but the lack of a consistent scorer is evident—their top marksmen have only one goal each this season.
Annecy, meanwhile, boast a more potent frontline. Moise Sahi Dion has been electric since his arrival, scoring four goals in recent matches and earning a rating of 7.60. Clément Billemaz is the creative hub with seven assists, while Antoine Larose adds width and delivery. The midfield is anchored by the experienced Ahmed Kashi, who provides balance.
Injuries are a concern for Annecy, though the data is outdated. Axel Drouhin has been listed as missing for months due to an ankle injury, but his status should be confirmed closer to kick-off. If he remains unavailable, the defence may lack depth.
Key Players and Zone Duels: Where the Match Will Be Won
The central battle will be between Boulogne's disciplined midfield and Annecy's creative trio. Nolan Binet and Siad Gourville will need to disrupt Billemaz's rhythm, while also providing cover for a defence that was torn apart by Dunkerque. If they can limit Billemaz's time on the ball, they reduce Annecy's primary supply line.
Out wide, Antoine Larose and Thomas Rambaud offer pace and crossing ability for Annecy. Boulogne's full-backs, likely Demba Thiam and Jérémy Boyer, will be tested. The home side's defensive radar score of 38/100 suggests vulnerability, but their discipline could compensate.
Up front, Boulogne's lack of a focal point is glaring. They have scored only 32 goals in 32 matches, and their top scorers have just one each. Against an Annecy defence that has kept 11 clean sheets, they will need creativity from midfield or set-piece situations to find a breakthrough.
Tactical Reading: Styles, Zones, and Potential Scenarios
Boulogne typically line up in a 4-1-4-1 under coach Stéphane Jobard, prioritising defensive solidity and counter-attacks. Their possession average of 48% suggests they are comfortable without the ball, but their low shot volume (5.8 per match) and poor accuracy (31%) indicate a lack of incision in the final third.
Annecy, under Guyot, favour a 4-2-3-1 that allows Billemaz to operate as a number ten behind the striker. They average 9.8 shots per match with 47.5% accuracy, and their efficiency radar score of 83/100 reflects a clinical edge. However, they are fragile mentally (42/100) and can be vulnerable when pressed.
The key tactical question is whether Boulogne can absorb pressure and hit on the break, or whether Annecy's superior quality will overwhelm them. The visitors' xG ratio of 3.08 suggests they have been fortunate in front of goal, but their recent form is too strong to dismiss as luck alone.
What the Dynamics and Odds Tell Us
The cotes paint a clear picture: Annecy are favourites at 2.76, with Boulogne at 4.2 and the draw at 4.1. The market expects an away win, but the draw is not far behind in probability. The h2h odds from various bookmakers confirm this, with Annecy at 2.35 on Tipico and the draw at 3.15 on Unibet.
These numbers reflect Annecy's superior form and attacking output, but they also account for Boulogne's defensive resilience and home advantage. The visitors have won only once in their last two away matches, while Boulogne have drawn three of their last five at home. The odds suggest a low-scoring match is likely, with the under 2.5 goals market potentially offering value.
A Final Reading: Balance, Pressure, and the Likely Outcome
This match is a classic clash between a team in form and a team fighting for survival. Annecy have the quality, the goals, and the momentum, but Boulogne have the discipline, the home crowd, and a point to prove. The visitors' defensive fragility on the road and their mental fragility could be exploited, especially if Boulogne can keep the score tight into the second half.
However, Boulogne's inability to score is a major concern. They have failed to find the net in four of their last five matches, and against an Annecy side that has kept two clean sheets in their last five, the task is daunting. A draw would be a respectable result for the hosts, but Annecy's firepower should ultimately prevail.
Expect a tense, tactical affair with few clear chances. Annecy will dominate possession and territory, but Boulogne will make them work for every opening. A narrow away victory seems the most plausible outcome, though a low-scoring draw cannot be ruled out. For the neutral, this is a match that will be decided by fine margins—and perhaps a moment of individual quality from Billemaz or Sahi.
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Boulogne vs Annecy FC takes place in Ligue 2 - France. Kick-off is scheduled for 02/05/2026 20:00. This page gathers live coverage, lineups, key stats and match context. Main 1X2 odds: 1 4.4 · X 3.7 · 2 2.2.
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Match FAQ
What time does Boulogne vs Annecy FC kick off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 02/05/2026 20:00.
Where can I see the odds for Boulogne vs Annecy FC?
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