Nantes vs Strasbourg – News and Probable Lineups

Nantes will host Strasbourg at the Stade de la Beaujoire this Sunday evening in Ligue 1, as the home side aims for a crucial victory to assist them in their fight against relegation.

On the other hand, the visiting team will be eager to secure a win to enhance their chances of qualifying for the Europa Conference League next season.

Match overview

Nantes heads into this fixture sitting deep in the relegation zone after 25 matches this season, with a record of four wins, five draws, and 16 losses totaling 17 points.

Les Canaris have had a tough time at home this season, suffering losses in nine out of their 13 games, which has contributed to their current relegation battle.

Furthermore, their supporters will expect an improved performance against Strasbourg this weekend, considering they have managed only one victory in their last nine Ligue 1 fixtures, losing the last four consecutively.

This poor form has affected their home record against the visitors, failing to win in their last six home league encounters with Strasbourg after previously securing victory in 11 out of 12 matches against them.

Nantes fans have had to endure matches with numerous stoppages, as their club has recorded the highest average stoppage time in Ligue 1 this season, averaging 100 interruptions per match.

Strasbourg comes into this match placed just outside the European qualification spots in Ligue 1, boasting a record of 10 wins, seven draws, and nine losses across 26 matches for a total of 37 points.

The visitors are currently six points shy of Mônaco in sixth place, who are holding the Europa Conference League qualification position.

Concerns arise regarding their pursuit of European football for the next season, as they have drawn four of their last five league games, a trend that seems to be typical under Gary O’Neil’s management.

Strasbourg has already had four draws in his nine Ligue 1 matches, surpassing the three draws recorded in the 17 matches managed by Liam Rosenior this season.

Supporters of the visiting team may worry about their away form, with only one win in their last 10 away Ligue 1 matches, achieved against Lille on January 25 when they won 4-1.

Nevertheless, there is hope for this matchup, as the Alsacians have only kept two clean sheets on the road this season; however, both were against fellow relegation contenders, Nantes, Metz, and Auxerre.

Team News

Nantes will be missing Amady Camara and Francis Coquelin due to injuries, while the fitness of Bahmed Deuff and Fabien Centonze remains uncertain.

The hosts are hopeful that Centonze will be fit enough to feature, as he has been a vital player for them this season, being their second-highest scorer in the league with three goals.

Strasbourg too will be missing several key players through injury, including Diego Moreira, Emmanuel Emegha, Junior Mwanga, and Ben Chilwell.

Joaquín Panichelli has been their standout performer, netting 14 goals, including eight that opened the scoring, making him crucial for their chances.

Additionally, Samir El Mourabet will play a key role this weekend, helping to shield the defence, as he has made 20 successful tackles in the league this season, more than any other player in Ligue 1.

Nantes probable starting XI:

Lopez; Amian, Awaziem, Yusuf, Cozza, Machado; Leroux, Kaba, Hanger; Daughter, Abline

Strasbourg probable starting XI:

Penders; Oattara, Doukoure, Omobamidele, Doue; Mourabet, Barco; Yassine, Enciso, Godot; Panichelli

Strasbourg might have the upper hand in attack against Nantes; however, there may be concerns about their congested fixture schedule over the past weeks, which could offer hope for Nantes to upset the expectations and escape from the relegation zone.