**Pau's on a proper run, and Laval's looking lost.** This is the kind fixture where home form and recent momentum absolutely matter in Ligue 2. 🔥

Pau are buzzing with **2 wins and 2 draws** in their last five, mixing strong home performances with a gritty away win at Toulouse. Laval, meanwhile, are **1W-1D-3L** — they grabbed a rare victory over Rennes at home but can't string anything together. The **head-to-head leans heavily Pau's way** (4 wins in 8 meetings), and that historical edge looks set to stick.

Key storylines:

- **Pau's attack** needs to punish Laval's shaky defence early; **H. Benali** and **B. Leye** have been sharp
- **Laval's midfield** (led by **C. Mandouki**) will need to win the ball and limit Pau's creative outlet **J. Benet** on the counter
- Home turf at Nouste Camp is a real advantage — Pau don't lose much there

Expected lineups:

- **Pau FC**: B. Maubleu, A. Dodote, A. Briançon, A. Bamba, T. Pouilly, G. Paquiez, J. Benet, L. Rajot, L. Gadegbeku, H. Benali, B. Leye
- **Stade Lavallois**: M. Samassa, J. Gaudin, W. Bianda, A. Lô, E. Mouton, C. Mandouki, S. Sanna, J. Maggiotti, M. Houdayer, A. Kanté, T. Dago

Prediction:

**Pau 2–0 Laval** — the visitors won't have the craft to trouble Pau's shape, and the home side should cruise.