As the Ligue 1 season advances, the upcoming clash between Nantes and Lyon on 7th April 2024 at Stade de la Beaujoire is set to be a pivotal fixture for both sides.
With Nantes seeking to distance themselves further from the relegation zone and Lyon eyeing a spot in European competitions, this match promises intensity and strategic gameplay.
Current Form
Nantes' Current Form
Nantes showed signs of recovery with a 2-1 win over Nice, lifting them to 14th place, a welcome change after a series of losses.
Under the new management of Antoine Kombouare, who replaced Jocelyn Gourvennec, this victory might mark a turnaround for the team.
However, their home performance has been less than stellar, with six consecutive losses at Stade de la Beaujoire, a record in the club's history.
Lyon's Current Form
On the other hand, Lyon, sitting at 10th in the league, comes off a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Reims.
With an unbeaten streak in their last four matches across all competitions and a strong away record, Lyon appears to be in fine form as they prepare for the upcoming match.
Team News
Nantes Team News
Nantes faces a few setbacks, with Bastien Meupiyou sidelined due to a knee issue and Moses Simon out for the season with a broken foot.
However, Douglas Augusto made a return against Nice after a one-match suspension, contributing to the team's midfield stability.
Lyon Team News
Lyon will see the return of Clinton Mata from suspension, bolstering their defence. However, they might miss Adryelson due to personal reasons.
Alexandre Lacazette, despite a recent scare against Toulouse, is expected to lead the attack once again, adding depth and experience to the frontline.
Key Players
Nantes' Key Player
For Nantes, Matthis Abline and Mostafa Mohamed are players to watch, having been crucial in their recent victory over Nice.
Their ability to convert chances will be vital for Nantes to breach Lyon's defence.
Lyon's Key Players
Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette remains a key figure, bringing leadership and scoring prowess to the field.
Alongside him, Ernest Nuamah's recent form could prove decisive in breaking down Nantes' backline.
Scoreline Prediction
Considering both teams' form and the high stakes, Lyon's stronger away record and recent form suggest they might edge out Nantes in a closely contested match.
Nantes 0-1 Lyon seems a probable outcome as Lyon continues their pursuit for European qualification.
FAQs
What time does the match start? The match kicks off at 7.45 pm UK time on 7th April 2024.
Where is the match being played? Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
Can Nantes improve their home record with this match? Given their current form, it will be challenging, especially against a Lyon side that has been strong away from home.
What does this match mean for Lyon's European hopes? A win would significantly boost Lyon's chances of qualifying for European competitions, keeping them in contention for a top spot in the league.
Who are the key players to watch? Nantes: Matthis Abline and Mostafa Mohamed. Lyon: Alexandre Lacazette and Ernest Nuamah.