In a high-stakes showdown, Nantes and Clermont, two teams teetering on the edge of relegation, will go head-to-head at Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday.
With only a six-point cushion above the drop zone, Nantes desperately needs a win to avoid slipping further down the table.
On the other hand, Clermont finds themselves rooted to the bottom and will be eager to secure three crucial points.
Match Preview:
Nantes enters this fixture on the back of a much-needed boost, having emerged victorious in the Coupe de France against Pau with an emphatic 4-1 win.
Although it was against a second-tier side, the result injected some confidence into Jocelyn Gourvennec’s squad.
Nantes has struggled to find the net throughout the season, scoring just as many goals in their previous nine Ligue 1 matches combined.
Additionally, their defense has been leaky, conceding the second-most goals in the league. However, Nantes holds a favorable record against Clermont, having never lost to them in Ligue 1.
Clermont, meanwhile, faces a daunting task as they sit at the bottom of the table, five points adrift of a safe spot in Ligue 1.
Their survival hopes appear bleak, but with 21 league games remaining, there is still a glimmer of hope.
Pascal Gastien’s men did start the year positively, securing a 1-1 draw against Metz in the Coupe de France, progressing on penalties.
However, their recent form has been far from impressive, failing to secure a victory in their last six domestic outings.
Team News:
Nantes will be without four key players for this crucial clash. Mostafa Mohamed and Moses Simon are representing their respective countries at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Samuel Moutoussamy and Jean-Charles Castelletto have also been called up for international duty.
Ignatius Ganago is out for the season due to an ACL tear, and Bastien Meupiyou remains sidelined with a knee injury.
On a positive note, Tino Kadewere showcased his goal-scoring prowess in the previous fixture and will be a key figure for Nantes.
Clermont, too, will miss three players due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mory Diaw, Alidu Seidu, and Jeremie Bela will be absent from the squad. Elbasan Rashani is unlikely to feature due to a shoulder injury, and Maximiliano Caufriez is suspended.
Despite these setbacks, Clermont will rely on the likes of Jim Allevinah and others to lead their attack.
Possible Lineups:
Nantes: (3-4-1-2)
Lafont;
Pallois, Comert, Duverne;
Coco, Chirivella, Sissoko, Merlin;
Mollet;
Abline, Bamba
Clermont: (3-4-2-1)
Ndiaye;
Pelmard, Ogier, Armougom;
Konate, Keita, Gastien, Borges;
Gonalons, Allevinah;
Nicholson
Prediction: Nantes 0-0 Clermont
With both teams struggling for form and missing key players, we anticipate a tight and cagey affair. Given their recent goal-scoring woes, we predict a goalless draw between Nantes and Clermont. Both sides will be cautious in their approach, prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking flair.