Nancy are expected to line up in their usual 4-4-2, a shape built for solidity and directness. Two banks of four, a double pivot that sits deep, and two strikers who feed on scraps. They'll look to keep it compact, force Dunkerque wide, and hit on the break. The full-backs won't bomb forward — this is a team that prioritises not losing over winning. At the Picot, they'll be happy to let Dunkerque have the ball and then knife through the lines on the counter.

Dunkerque, in their 4-3-3, will dominate possession. Their midfield trio will try to control the tempo, with the wide forwards stretching Nancy's back line. They've got pace in wide areas and a striker who can finish — that 4-2 win showed their ceiling. But their 4-3-3 can leave gaps in behind the full-backs, and Nancy's two strikers will look to exploit those half-spaces. The key battle will be in midfield: Nancy's double pivot vs Dunkerque's three. If Dunkerque's full-backs push high, Nancy's wide men could have joy on the counter. Expect a cagey first half, then maybe a spark after the break.