Rodez AF hosts Pau FC this Friday, August 28, 2026, in a pivotal Ligue 2 match on the fourth matchday. The club from Aveyron, currently sitting third in the table with six points, aims to build on its strong start against a struggling opponent.
The game kicks off at 8:00 PM at the Stade Paul-Lignon and will be broadcast on beIN SPORTS. According to Sport.fr, coach Didier Santini is expected to field a lineup similar to the one that shone last time out. However, starting goalkeeper Braat is a doubt, while defender Tebily is ruled out. For Pau, only Daubin is in a recovery phase.
What is Rodez's current form?
Rodez approaches this fixture with a record of two wins and one loss from its first three games. After an opening victory against Laval (3-1), Santini's men fell at Annecy (2-0) before pulling off a stunning 5-2 win at La Beaujoire against Nantes. That performance was highlighted by a hat-trick from striker Ibrahima Baldé, who is now the joint-top scorer in the championship with four goals. The club holds third place in the standings, just three points behind leaders Saint-Étienne, and boasts a positive goal difference of +3 (eight goals scored, five conceded).
The ambition is clear this season following last year's playoff heartbreak, a penalty shootout loss to Saint-Étienne. The stated goal is direct promotion. You can track their progress in the title race on our standings page.
Who are the key players for this match?
All eyes are on Ibrahima Baldé. The striker, who netted a hat-trick at Nantes, represents Rodez's primary offensive threat. His pace and finishing will be key to breaking down the Pau defense. At the back, the absence of Tebily may be offset by the solidity of the central trio Laurent, Magnin, and Issanchou.
For Pau, coach Nicolas Usaï will likely rely on the experience of goalkeeper Maubleu and the power of striker Leye to try and create danger. The visitors' probable lineup suggests an organized team with a back five, aiming to contain Rodez's attacks.
What is the context for Pau FC?
Pau FC arrives in Rodez in a delicate situation. Ninth last season and thirteen points behind Rodez, the team has had a complicated start to the campaign with two losses in three matches. After an initial defeat to Annecy (0-1), they beat Dijon (0-1) before losing again to Nancy (0-1). Another defeat this Friday would mark a third loss in four matchdays, a spiral the club is desperate to avoid.
Their task will be tough against a Rodez side that is stubborn at home and driven by its promotion ambitions. Detailed statistics for both teams are available on our stats page.
What are the probable lineups?
Didier Santini is expected to name his strongest side with a few adjustments for absences. In attack, the duo of Baldé and Touho is anticipated to provide the cutting edge. Rodez's probable lineup is: Margueron; Issanchou, Laurent, Magnin, Lipinski, Jean-Lambert; Pavlovic, Mendes, Cartillier; Touho, Baldé.
Facing them, Pau will likely opt for a defensive setup with: Maubleu; Dodote, Bamba, Paquiez; Pouilly, Fall, Benet, Rajot, Basse (or Tourraine); Versini, Leye. This organization aims to stifle space and play on the counter-attack.
What does this match mean for the rest of the season?
For Rodez, a win is imperative to maintain pressure on the top two, Saint-Étienne and the second-placed team. It would allow them to approach the upcoming schedule, which you can view on our fixtures page, with confidence. Every point taken at home counts double in the promotion race. The match against Pau represents an opportunity to make a statement and affirm their ambitions in front of their own fans.
