Nantes vs Lyon Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

Welcome to our Nantes vs Lyon prediction preview as the home side look to continue their solid start to 2025. Lyon have not looked great since the winter break with squad unsettlement and disappointing results on the field. They have just drawn consecutive matches 0-0 and could now face a Nantes side who are tough to break down. 

Nantes vs Lyon Prediction: Nantes can avoid defeat against struggling Lyon

France, Ligue1, Sunday, 26th January, 16:15 (UK)

During the winter break, things did not look good for Nantes. They were desperately struggling after a 4-1 defeat to Brest and rumours suggested that manager Antoine Kombouare would lose his job. He has clearly not lost the dressing room though because Nantes are unbeaten in three straight games and ground out some tough draws vs Lille, Monaco and St Etienne. Kombouare is a very experienced coach and strong tactically. Nantes average the lowest possession of any team in Ligue 1 and have a clearly defined tactical approach. They have lacked wins with just one victory in 15 Ligue 1 games, but look overpriced on the double chance market.

Lyon have laboured to consecutive 0-0 draws against Toulouse last weekend and then away to Turkish side Fenerbahce on Thursday night in the Europa League. That trip in itself might be classed as a negative for them here, whereas Nantes have had a full week to focus and prepare for this game. Lyon have felt unsettled during this transfer window but it’s no surprise because in theory every player is up for sale if the right sort of price is received. Lyon need money to balance the books but it’s not a stable situation for the players. They’ve not looked very good on the field since the winter break and even got eliminated from the French Cup by 5th tier Bourgoin Jallieu. Nantes are very capable of avoiding defeat and are perhaps the most likely side to win if they can take their chance and keep a clean sheet. The double chance market at 1.70 has plenty of appeal with a full winner if this match ends in a draw. 

• Nantes vs Lyon Prediction: Nantes or draw double chance (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.70
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10 (TRACKED BET)

Nantes vs Lyon Prediction odds via bet365 as at 10:00, January 24th, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Nantes vs Lyon Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Douglas Augusto injury doubt for Nantes

Midfielder Douglas Augusto is doubtful with injury for Nantes after coming off the field last week. He is rated 50/50 but will probably start if he passes his fitness test. Youngster Louis Leroux could be in line to replace him otherwise. Nantes’ centre back Nathan Zeze could be ruled out for the entire season with a broken ankle. This will be the second straight game in which Nantes won’t have his services. 

Lyon are expected to welcome back captain and frontman Alexandre Lacazette into the XI after he missed last week’s game due to injury and came off the bench in midweek vs Fenerbahce. Malick Fofana and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are both doubtful. 

Nantes possible starting lineup:
Lopes, Cozza, Castelletto, Pallois, Amian, Chirivella, Simon, Augusto, Lepenant, Guirassy, Abline

Lyon possible starting lineup:
Perri, Tagliafico, Niakhate, Caleta-Car, Mata, Matic, Tolisso, Veretout, Nuamah, Lacazette, Cherki

Match Stats: Nantes might be better than their league position suggests

• Nantes rank inside the top half of the table on xPoints and have underachieved by 6.08 points this season
• Nantes have only lost 1 of their last 6 games and faced teams such as PSG, Rennes Lille & Monaco during this run
• Lyon have drifted off form failing to win any of their last 4 games in all competitions. They have just registered consecutive 0-0 draws.
• Lyon are one of just three teams in Ligue 1 not to have received a red card this season
• Nantes average the lowest possession in the division (39.60%)

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