Nantes vs. Lens Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 23 February 2025 - bettingexpert
The stage is set for an intriguing Ligue 1 clash as Nantes host Lens at the Stade de la Beaujoire on 23 February 2025 at 14:00. This encounter is particularly significant for Nantes, who are teetering near the relegation zone in 15th place with 21 points. A win for the home side would provide much-needed breathing space.
Nantes comes into the match under the stewardship of Antoine Kombouaré, looking to bounce back after a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Monaco. Despite having only one win in their last six games, they have proven resilient with points earned in their away fixtures. Lens, coached by Will Still, are the bookmakers’ favorites thanks to their position in the top half of the table (8th, 33 points). However, their recent form has been inconsistent (LLWWL).
Key match facts point to a potentially close game. Lens has been vulnerable in the final minutes of play this season and Nantes is seeking redemption and motivation to avoid relegation. Referee Jerome Brisard, known for issuing a fair number of yellow cards and penalties, will be officiating the match.
Our prediction leans towards a tightly contested match with the potential for a home upset. Recommended bet: Nantes to win with odds of 3.75.
Nantes vs Lens Prediction & Betting Tip
Our betting tip for the upcoming match between Nantes and Lens favors a home win. Here’s why:
| Nantes vs Lens Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Nantes to Win | 3.75 |
- Nantes’ Motivation: The home team is desperate to climb out of the relegation zone. After suffering a heavy defeat in their last match, they’ll be eager to bounce back with a victory.
- Lens’ Inconsistent Form: Lens have been struggling lately, with two losses in their previous two matches. This creates an opportunity for Nantes to capitalize on their opponent’s vulnerability.
- Nantes’ Resilience: Despite some setbacks, Nantes have shown they can earn points both at home and away. This resilience can make them a formidable opponent, especially on home turf.
This match is crucial for both sides, but Nantes’ motivation to avoid relegation and Lens’ vulnerability make this an exciting clash with the potential for a home upset.
This match holds significant stakes for both teams, but with Nantes fighting to avoid relegation and Lens showing inconsistency, it could very well be the perfect setup for a home win. Whether you’re a betting enthusiast or just a fan of the beautiful game, this match promises to be a gripping encounter.
Nantes Team Analysis
Recent Performance:
Nantes’ recent form has been mixed, showing glimpses of promise interspersed with disappointing results. The Canaries have experienced limited success, securing just one victory in their last five fixtures.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Monaco | Nantes | 7-1 (Loss) |
| Nantes | Brest | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Reims | Nantes | 1-2 (Win) |
| Nantes | Lyon | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Saint-Etienne | Nantes | 1-1 (Draw) |
Nantes have struggled defensively, failing to keep a single clean sheet in these matches. Their average goals scored stands at 1.00, which reflects their ongoing battle for consistency up front.
Despite their highs, such as the away win against Reims, Nantes need to find stability if they wish to steer clear of the relegation zone.
Nantes Key Players
Nantes will be heavily reliant on their standout performers to make an impact against Lens. Matthis Abline, the team’s top scorer with 7 goals, will be a key figure in the attacking third. His partnership with Moses Simon, who has proven to be a dynamic forward, could be crucial in breaking down Lens’ defense.
In midfield, Johann Lepenant will play a vital role in controlling the game’s tempo, especially in the absence of the suspended Pedro Chirivella. The defensive line will be marshaled by Jean-Charles Castelletto. However, with Nicolas Cozza suspended, the remaining defenders must step up.
Expected lineup for Nantes:
- Goalkeeper: Anthony Lopes
- Defenders: Saidou Sow, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Nicolas Pallois
- Midfielders: Kelvin Amian, Florent Mollet, Johann Lepenant, Douglas Augusto, Marcus Coco
- Forwards: Matthis Abline, Moses Simon
Nantes Suspensions & Injuries
Nantes will face a challenging situation with several key players out due to suspensions and injuries. Here’s a detailed look:
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Pedro Chirivella | Yellow cards | 1 match |
| Nicolas Cozza | Red card | 1 match |
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Adel Mahamoud | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for the season |
| Tino Kadewere | Muscle injury | Late February 2025 |
| Nathan Zeze | Broken ankle | Early April 2025 |
| Francis Coquelin | Muscle injury | About 1-2 weeks |
These absences will significantly impact Nantes, especially in midfield where Pedro Chirivella’s suspension leaves a gap in experience and defensive stability. Antoine Kombouaré will need to make strategic adjustments to compensate for these losses.
Nantes Tactics and Formation
Nantes Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation.
- Key Forwards: Matthis Abline and Moses Simon
- Midfield Quartet: Kelvin Amian, Florent Mollet, Johann Lepenant, Douglas Augusto
- Defensive Setup:
- Goalkeeper: Anthony Lopes
- Central Defenders: Saidou Sow, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Nicolas Pallois
- Right and Left Midfielders: Marcus Coco and Kelvin Amian, respectively
Antoine Kombouaré will focus on defensive solidity while counter-attacking with pace, mainly using Abline and Simon upfront. Despite recent struggles, their strategy will heavily rely on tight defense and converting limited chances.
Nantes must address their lack of clean sheets in the last five games, aiming to fortify their backline. Extra attention will be on maintaining possession to disrupt Lens’ rhythm and leveraging set-pieces for possible scoring opportunities.
Lens Team Analysis
Lens Recent Performance
Lens have had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, showcasing both their ability to secure wins and their vulnerability in defense. Here’s a look at their recent form:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lens | Strasbourg | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Nice | Lens | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Montpellier | Lens | 0-2 (Win) |
| Lens | Angers | 1-0 (Win) |
| Lens | Paris Saint-Germain | 1-2 (Loss) |
Lens’ recent performances highlight some inconsistency, with two wins punctuated by three defeats in their last five outings.
While they’ve managed to keep two clean sheets in this period, they’ve also struggled in front of goal, averaging just 0.80 goals scored per game.
This inconsistency might provide Nantes with an opportunity, especially considering Lens’ tendency to concede late on, with most goals allowed in the 76-90 minute interval this season.
Lens Key Players
Expected lineup for Lens:
- Goalkeeper: Herve Koffi
- Defenders: Malang Sarr, Jonathan Gradit, Facundo Medina
- Midfielders: Florian Sotoca, Adrien Thomasson, Neil El Aynaoui, Andy Diouf, Ruben Aguilar
- Attackers: M’Bala Nzola, Angelo Fulgini
Top performers for Lens include M’Bala Nzola, who leads the team with six goals this season. His partnership in attack with Angelo Fulgini is a key area where Lens will look to exploit Nantes’ defensive frailties.
In midfield, Adrien Thomasson has been instrumental, providing stability and creativity. The defensive trio of Malang Sarr, Jonathan Gradit, and Facundo Medina will need to be at their best to contain Nantes’ threats.
Key individual battles will include Nzola against Nantes’ central defenders, and Thomasson’s tussles in midfield.
Lens Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Satriano | Cruciate ligament injury | Early June 2025 |
| Rémy Labeau Lascary | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Jhoanner Chávez | Ankle injury | Late February 2025 |
| Denis Petric | Back injury | Late February 2025 |
| Mathew Ryan | Hip injury | Late February 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| ——————– | —————— | ——————— |
| Hamzat Ojediran | Yellow cards | After this match |
| Deiver Machado | Yellow/red card | After this match |
Lens are dealing with several injuries, including long-term absentees like Martin Satriano and Rémy Labeau Lascary. This reduces their attacking options.
On the defensive side, the suspensions of Hamzat Ojediran and Deiver Machado will necessitate adjustments in the backline, affecting team cohesion. These compounded absences may present a vulnerability that Nantes could exploit.
Lens Tactics and Formation
Lens Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, offering a balance between attack and defense.
- Key Forward: M’Bala Nzola, the team’s top scorer with 6 goals this season.
- Midfield Composition: Adrien Thomasson, Neil El Aynaoui, and Andy Diouf form a dynamic midfield trio, crucial for both defensive duties and initiating attacks.
- Defensive Setup: With key defenders like Malang Sarr and Jonathan Gradit, Lens has managed two clean sheets in their last five games, indicating a solid defensive block.
- Notable Strategy: Lens leverages their wing-backs, Florian Sotoca and Ruben Aguilar, to exploit the flanks and deliver crosses, emphasizing a wide-play attacking strategy.
Their suspensions and injuries might force a few adjustments, but Lens will aim to capitalize on their organized structure to secure a win.
Nantes vs Lens Head-to-Head Statistics
Analyzing the last five meetings between Nantes and Lens highlights a strong competitive history:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lens | Nantes | 3-2 |
| Nantes | Lens | 0-1 |
| Lens | Nantes | 4-0 |
| Nantes | Lens | 2-1 |
| Lens | Nantes | 3-1 |
These results show that Lens has had the upper hand, winning four out of their last five encounters. The most recent clash ended in a close 3-2 victory for Lens.
The scoreline indicates that matches between these two sides often feature goals and competitive play.
Odds accurate as of 21.02.2025 14:01, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
