Nantes vs Toulouse – News and Probable Lineups

Nantes, who have already been relegated, will aim to give their fans a reason to celebrate during their last Ligue 1 fixture of the season as they host Toulouse at Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday evening.

On the other hand, Toulouse arrives with much higher spirits, having recently recorded back-to-back wins that have moved them into the upper half of the table. Carles Martinez Novell’s team also has a slim chance of finishing ninth as they head into the final weekend.

Match overview

Nantes’ dismal season officially wrapped up last week when a 1-0 defeat against Lens confirmed their drop to Ligue 2, ending a 13-season spell in France’s top division.

This season has been incredibly frustrating for the Canaries, who are set to end the campaign with their lowest ever points total in Ligue 1, highlighting their dramatic decline.

The defeat to Lens made it three losses in four league matches, although Vahid Halilhodzic’s squad did show some fight earlier this month with a surprising 3-0 victory against Marseille at home.

That match marked Nantes’ first league win since February, but they could not build on that achievement and thus faced the consequences of a season plagued by inconsistency and lack of quality in attack.

The hosts have only netted 29 league goals this season, which ranks among the lowest in the division, with only Angers scoring fewer, while just three teams have conceded more than the 52 goals they have allowed this term.

Nonetheless, Nantes still has a faint possibility to wrap up the season on a slightly positive note, as a win here would secure back-to-back home victories for the first time since October 2023.

On the contrary, Toulouse is arriving full of momentum and confidence after securing successive 2-1 victories against Lyon and Strasbourg in their last two matches.

These recent performances have propelled the Violets into 10th place with 44 points, their highest tally after 33 Ligue 1 matches since the 2013-14 season, and they may still move up to ninth based on other results this weekend.

In recent weeks, Novell’s squad has displayed a more relaxed style of play without the threat of relegation hanging over them, leading to enhanced attacking performances after a challenging period earlier in the spring.

Toulouse previously endured heavy defeats to Lille, Lens, and Paris Saint-Germain during a tough April, but their recent comeback has demonstrated impressive resilience.

The visitors will also be driven by the desire to secure a positive conclusion before Martinez Novell’s departure at the end of the season, with the Spanish coach reportedly drawing interest from clubs in La Liga after another stable run in Ligue 1.

However, away form continues to be a concern, as Toulouse has lost five of their last seven league away matches, despite achieving victory against Strasbourg in their latest away encounter.

Recent clashes between these teams have typically been close, with the last three Ligue 1 meetings ending in draws, including a 2-2 stalemate in the previous matchup this season.

Team News

Nantes are still dealing with injuries ahead of their final match of the season. Kelvin Amian and Fabien Centonze are both ruled out following groin and knee surgeries respectively, while Tylel Tati is sidelined due to a thigh injury.

Francis Coquelin is also out after experiencing another injury setback during what has been a disrupted season for the veteran midfielder, and Deiver Machado is unavailable due to a hamstring issue he sustained earlier this month.

Additionally, Uros Radakovic is doubtful after leaving the pitch due to injury in the defeat to Lens.

Toulouse will miss Aron Donnum as the Norwegian winger received a red card against Lyon and is suspended for this final match.

Frank Magri is also unavailable due to a knee problem, while Rafik Messali and Abu Francis are both in recovery from ankle injuries. Dayann Methalie is also uncertain after being forced off due to injury in the previous fixture.

Nantes probable starting XI:

Lopes; Youssef, Awaziem, Cozza; Gilbert, Lepenant, Sissoko, Coat, Acapandie; Abline, Ganago

Toulouse probable starting XI:

Restes; McKenzie, Cresswell, Nicolaisen; Sidibe, Casseres, Vossah, Kamanzi; Hidalgo, Gboho; Russell-Rowe

Although Nantes may wish to conclude a disappointing season with a positive result at home, their defensive frailties and wavering confidence could prove costly once again.

Toulouse enters the match with momentum, better attacking fluidity, and a clear incentive to secure a top-half finish, making the visitors look capable of edging a competitive contest on the final day.