Nantes are struggling in 15th place with 17 points, needing every bit of momentum. They’ve shown resilience recently, remaining unbeaten in their last four league games. Antoine Kombouaré will lean heavily on top scorer Matthis Abline, who has scored 5 goals this season, to deliver.

Lyon, currently 6th, have had mixed form recently, securing 29 points. Their coach, Pierre Sage, is under pressure, with discussions underway to replace him with Paulo Fonseca. Alexandre Lacazette, their top scorer with 5 goals, will be pivotal.

Benoit Bastien will officiate the match, which could be vital for both teams. The recommended bet is Nantes +0.50 (AH) at odds of 1.78, given Nantes’ recent improvement. Though Lyon are favoured by bookmakers, their recent inconsistency could make this an intriguing encounter.

Nantes vs Lyon Prediction & Betting Tip

Our betting tip for this match is Nantes +0.50 (AH). Nantes, currently in 15th place, have shown significant improvement, going unbeaten in their last four league matches. Despite Lyon being the bookmakers’ favorite, their mixed recent form could lead to an intriguing contest.

• Nantes have been resilient, remaining unbeaten in their last four league games.
• Lyon have only secured 7 points from their last 5 matches, indicating recent inconsistency.
• The home ground advantage at Stade de la Beaujoire could play a crucial role for Nantes.

Nantes vs Lyon Odds

Here’s a quick look at the betting odds for the upcoming match between Nantes and Lyon:

Lyon are the bookmakers’ favourites, with odds of 2.11 for an away victory. Nantes, despite being the underdogs, have odds of 3.32 to win. A draw is priced at 3.47.

Nantes’ recent resilience and Lyon’s inconsistent form could make this an interesting match for those looking to bet.

Nantes Team Analysis

Nantes have managed to show some resilience lately, remaining unbeaten in their last four Ligue 1 encounters. Here’s a quick glance at their recent matches:

Nantes have scored an average of 1.80 goals per game in their last five fixtures, illustrating solid attacking form. Defensively, they have managed just one clean sheet during this period, which points to areas for improvement in their backline. Their recent form of DLDDW shows a mixture of draws and a notable win against Drancy, suggesting they may be tough to beat. With 17 points on the board, they will aim to climb out of the lower part of the standings.

Nantes Key Players

Nantes will rely on some key players to make an impact against Lyon, particularly up front and in midfield. Matthis Abline, their top scorer with 5 goals this season, is expected to be the focal point in attack, hoping to exploit any defensive lapses from Lyon’s backline. Alongside him, Moses Simon on the left wing will look to create chances and possibly score, given his pace and skill. In midfield, Pedro Chirivella and Douglas Augusto will be crucial. They need to control the play and break up Lyon’s attacks, particularly when facing the potent midfield trio of Tolisso, Matic, and Veretout. Defensively, Jean-Charles Castelletto and Nicolas Pallois will have their hands full containing Alexandre Lacazette.

Expected lineup for Nantes:

• Goalkeeper: Anthony Lopes
• Defenders: Kelvin Amian, Nicolas Pallois, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Nicolas Cozza
• Midfielders: Pedro Chirivella, Douglas Augusto, Bahereba Guirassy, Johann Lepenant, Moses Simon
• Forward: Matthis Abline

Nantes Suspensions & Injuries

Nantes have a few significant injuries heading into their clash against Lyon, which could impact their performance:

These injuries, particularly Mahamoud’s season-ending cruciate ligament issue and Kadewere’s muscle injury, limit Antoine Kombouaré’s options, especially in the forward and midfield areas.

Without these players, Nantes will need to rely heavily on the fitness and form of the rest of the squad to sustain their recent improvement in form.

Nantes Tactics and Formation

Nantes Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Matthis Abline
• Midfield Quintet: Pedro Chirivella, Douglas Augusto, Bahereba Guirassy, Johann Lepenant, Moses Simon
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Utilizing the wings to create scoring opportunities, with Moses Simon and Bahereba Guirassy playing crucial roles.

With their expected 4-1-4-1 formation, Nantes will look to solidify the midfield and use the pace of their wingers to stretch Lyon’s defense. Antoine Kombouaré’s approach is pragmatic, focusing on defensive discipline while exploiting counter-attacks. The absence of key injured players means this structure aims to make the most of the fit squad members, particularly leveraging Abline’s ability to finish chances.

Lyon Team Analysis

Lyon’s recent form has been mixed, reflected in their DLLWW sequence. They currently sit 6th in the Ligue 1 standings with 29 points from 19 rounds. In their last five matches, Lyon has secured two wins, one draw, and suffered two losses. They’ve managed to keep two clean sheets and have an average of 1.60 goals scored per game during this span.

Lyon’s mixed results indicate potential vulnerability despite being solid defensively with those two recent clean sheets. They will need their top scorer Alexandre Lacazette to find his form to maintain a push up the table.

Lyon Key Players

Lyon will rely heavily on their key players in this crucial away fixture. Their top scorer, Alexandre Lacazette, has netted five goals so far and will be pivotal in attacking plays. Supporting him up front will be Georges Mikautadze, Rayan Cherki, and Saïd Benrahma, who can pose significant threats to the Nantes defense. Corentin Tolisso, Nemanja Matic, and Jordan Veretout will anchor the midfield, providing stability and creativity. The defensive lineup, which includes Saël Kumbedi, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhate, and Nicolas Tagliafico, will aim to keep things tight at the back. Expected lineup for Lyon:

• Goalkeeper: Lucas Perri
• Defenders: Saël Kumbedi, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhate, Nicolas Tagliafico
• Midfielders: Jordan Veretout, Nemanja Matic, Corentin Tolisso
• Forwards: Rayan Cherki, Georges Mikautadze, Saïd Benrahma

Key battles to watch will be Lacazette against Nantes’ center-backs and the midfield tussle involving Matic and Chirivella.

Lyon Suspensions & Injuries

Lyon heads into this fixture with a relatively clean bill of health, apart from the notable absence of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is sidelined due to illness. His expected return is within 1-2 weeks. While his absence will impact Lyon’s depth, particularly in the midfield, the team has sufficient cover, with Jordan Veretout, Nemanja Matic, and Corentin Tolisso likely to pick up the slack.

This injury to Maitland-Niles means Lyon will need to rely on their midfield trio more heavily to maintain stability and flow in their gameplay.

Lyon Tactics and Formation

Lyon’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Georges Mikautadze
• Midfield Trio: Jordan Veretout, Nemanja Matic, Corentin Tolisso
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Utilizing width and quick transitions.

Under Pierre Sage’s guidance, Lyon deploys a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on ball control and strategic pressing. The midfield trio of Veretout, Matic, and Tolisso form the backbone, providing a blend of physicality, vision, and creativity. The forward line, led by Mikautadze, is complemented by the pace and skill of Rayan Cherki and Saïd Benrahma on the wings, making Lyon a threat in wide areas. With two clean sheets in their last five matches, their defense, anchored by Moussa Niakhate and Clinton Mata, forms a solid backline. Watch for Lyon’s strategic emphasis on quick transitions and exploiting the flanks to create scoring opportunities.