Nantes vs Lens Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
When is Nantes vs Lens on and what time does it start? Nantes vs Lens will take place on Saturday 3rd February, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Nantes vs Lens? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Nantes vs Lens on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Ligue 1 matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Nantes vs Lens
Where can I stream Nantes vs Lens in the UK? If Nantes vs Lens is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
NANTES
In 2022, Nantes won the Coupe de France and in 2023, they reached the final of the cup whilst getting into the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League. However, they were involved in the relegation battle last season and, once again, they have found themselves battling against a bottom three finish, coming into this one on the back of some awful form.
Coached by Pierre Aristouy, Nantes managed to end their Ligue 1 losing streak by sharing a goalless draw with Stade de Reims in their most recent outing, last weekend. Prior to that draw, they have suffered four successive defeats in league and they were also knocked out of the Coupe de France by second-tier Stade Laval.
LENS
After finishing as runners’ up in France’s top-flight, Lens went through a difficult summer transfer window with a couple of key departures saw then begin the campaign extremely slowly. Franck Haise, though, remained in the charge and steadied the ship as they produced an excellent run of form throughout the autumn and winter months.
The northerners come into this one on the back of a comfortable and impressive 2-0 victory over Toulouse, last week. Prior to that, Lens had suffered three successive defeats across all competitions so needed that win. Overall, though, since mid-September they have suffered just 4 losses in 21 matches inside 90 minutes.
THE TEAM NEWS
NANTES
Both Mostafa Mohamed and Jean-Charles Castelletto are due to return from the Africa Cup of Nations but the likes of Samuel Moutoussamy and Moses Simon remain unavailable.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Lafont; Amian, Cumart, Zeze, Duverne; Sissoko, Augusto, Chirivella; Coco, Kadewere, Mollet
UNAVAILABLE: Moutoussamy (International duty), Traore (Suspended), Simon (International duty), Centonze (Injured), Meupiyou (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
LENS
Nampalys Mendy has returned from AFCON after Senegal’s elimination but the likes of Morgan Guilavogui and Abdukodir Khusanov remain on international duty.
PREDICTED XI (5-3-2): Samba; Sotoca, Aguilar, Danso, Medina, Chavez; Diouf, El Aynaoui, Costa; Said, Wahi
UNAVAILABLE: Guilavogui (International duty), Khusanov (International duty), Cortes (International duty), Gradit (Suspended), Machado (Injured), Cabot (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Both of these sides returned from the Ligue 1 winter break in underwhelming form but there is only one real clear winner here, to be honest. Nantes are heading for another long battle against the drop, whilst Lens were and are once again one of the strongest teams in the league, regardless of their current league position, so a Lens win looks the bet to back for this one.
TIP: LENS TO WIN
