Ligue 2 BKT Promotion Race: The Main Contenders Battling for a Place in Ligue 1 McDonald's

FC Lorient

Manager: Olivier Pantaloni

Key Men: Eli Junior Kroupi, Pablo Katseris, Montassar Talbi

Captain: Laurent Abergel

Les Merlus vying for an instant come-back to the elite

With one of the strongest squads of the relegated Ligue 1 McDonald's sides, Les Merlus are aiming for an instant return to the elite.

Current joint-leaders with Paris FC on 52 points in the Ligue 2 BKT table, Lorient came down from Ligue 1 last season with a strong squad and a clear objective: get back to the big time as soon as possible. Coach Olivier Pantaloni left his long-term job at Ajaccio in a bid to get Les Merlus back to Ligue 1 this season, and has trimmed the squad down to an eclectic mix of youthful talent and older heads.

One of these younger talents has already been snapped up by Premier League side AFC Bournemouth: 18-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi. The youngster has stepped up this season in Ligue 2 BKT, having scored 12 goals in 22 matches and is an exciting creative outlet for Les Merlus with lightning pace and tricky feet. Swiss international goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo has regained his spot as FCL number one keeper, whilst Pablo Katseris, Sambou Soumano, and Laurent Abergel have provided a stellar support cast for the Lorient bounce-back season.

Paris FC

Manager: Stephane Gilli

Key Men: Jean-Phillipe Krasso, Maxime Lopez, Illan Kebbal

Captain: Timothée Kolodziejczak

New money, new ambitions for Paris FC, Arnault, & Red Bull

After a high-profile takeover by the Arnault family and Red Bull, and with the involvement of Jurgen Klopp in the sporting structure, Paris FC have ambitions of establishing themselves in the elite as the French capital's second club.

The recent takeover of the club by one of the richest families in France, teaming up with one of the most recognisable brands has certainly put Paris FC on the map again. Whilst the club has been steadily progressing under president Pierre Ferracci, there are now new expectations to reach the elite as quickly as possible. The new owners and investment has paid off quickly, with a squad constructed to finally reach the promised land of Ligue 1 McDonald's without the need for the play-offs, which has more often than not caused pain in the past for Les Parisiens. 

The summer signings are settling well at the club, with former Marseille and Sassualo playmaker Maxime Lopez linking up with brother Julien and Ivory Coast's AFCON hero Jean-Phillipe Krasso brought in to net the goals. Former Wolverhampton striker Nouha Dicko and last season's top assist provider Illan Kebbal are shining alongside the more obvious stars in Stephane Gilli's pragmatic but effective 4-4-2. 

FC Metz

Manager: Stephane Le Mignan

Key Men: Gauthier Hein, Cheikh Sabaly, Papa Amadou Diallo

Captain: Matthieu Udol

new-look metz hoping to make instant Ligue 1 Mcdonalds return in style

After relegation in the play-offs last season, Les Grenats are hoping to get back on track with a clear new attacking style under manager Stéphane Le Mignan.

Whilst there was an initial period of adaptation at the start of the season, Metz are now a serious offensive force to be reckoned with in Ligue 2 BKT this season. The expectation is that Les Grenats should have enough to get promoted this season, and they are still right in the race, only two points behind the leaders. Over the summer Metz managed to keep key talents in Cheikh Sabaly (now the team's top scorer) and club captain Mathieu Udol, and secured the return of Guathier Hein at the club and signing midfielder Jessy Deminguet. Hein rejected a season with the rather successful Auxerre back in the big time to move back to his hometown club. Lets not forget the signing of former PSG man Benjamin Stambouli who has provided some excellent level-headedness and experience in the middle of the park.

Cheikh Sabaly has had a revelatory season back in the second tier, and is forming a deadly partnership with Gauthier in attack. But not only are there older faces: the likes of young striker Idrissa Gueye and Papa Amadou Diallo have continued Metz' tradition of bringing through talent from their partnership with Génération Foot in Dakar and are thriving in Ligue 2 BKT this season. Whilst the top two are grabbing the headlines, Metz are going about their business quietly and effectively… ready to pounce on any slip-up from Lorient and Paris FC in the run-in. 

USL Dunkerque

Manager: Luís Castro

Key Men: Enzo Bardeli, Yacine Bammou, Naatan Skyttä

Captain: Opa Sangante

Luîs Castro is making dunkerque dream, but can the seasiders get over the line?

One of the surprise packages of the season, Dunkerque are surprising on all fronts in a special campaign that has seen them reach the semi-finals of the Coupe de France and push for promotion. And it's all with panache under Portuguese boss Luís Castro

Luís Castro is performing miracle work at Dunkerque, who are one of the most exciting sides this season in Ligue 2 BKT. The Portuguese manager has overseen a complete transformation of the Seasiders, under the management of Ligue 1 legend Demba Ba as sporting director. Coming up from the lower divisions, Dunkerque are looking for a historic promotion to the big time coupled with their equally historic Coupe de France run this season.

With an offensive style that is pleasing on the eye, it's Dunkerque's midfield where young Frenchman Enzo Bardeli is starring alongside former Toulouse offensive midfielder Naatan Skyttä as the Dunkerque's two key offensive assets with six and seven goals respectively so far this season. Up front, an ageing Yacine Bammou has been netting with giant Dutchman Kay Téjan - all built on the defensive solidity of Castro's 4-1-4-1 formation. They have an exciting semi-final in the Coupe de France to look forward to, and are currently sitting in fourth as the dark horses of the promotion race.

READ MORE: 

>>Paris FC claim victory over FC Lorient in dramatic top of the table clash