Under-pressure Nantes manager Antoine Kombouaré faces a daunting challenge as his side hosts Monaco at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Friday night in Ligue 1. With their 12-year stay in the top flight at risk, the Canaries need a positive result against one of Ligue 1’s strongest away teams.
Match Preview
Nantes’ Recent Form
While Kombouaré seemed destined for dismissal after a run of four straight defeats in November, a spirited draw away to Paris Saint-Germain bought him some time. Since then, Nantes have shown signs of improvement, losing just one of their last five matches.
- Last Weekend: Nantes secured a hard-fought point at Lille but remain in the bottom three after wins for relegation rivals Angers and Saint-Étienne.
- Season Stats: Nantes have only managed one win in their last 13 matches and have collected just 15 points this season. However, a 1-0 home win against Rennes in their last outing at the Beaujoire offers hope for back-to-back home victories—a feat they have not achieved in 16 months.
Despite their struggles, goals could be on the cards. Recent fixtures between Nantes and Monaco have been high-scoring affairs, with 23 goals in their last five meetings.
Monaco’s Recent Form
Monaco has been a dominant force against Nantes historically, losing just once in their last 22 league encounters. However, their recent form under Adi Hütter has been inconsistent:
- Trophée des Champions: Monaco suffered a heartbreaking loss to PSG last weekend, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring an injury-time winner.
- Recent League Form: Monaco has won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions, with one victory coming against sixth-tier Saint-Jean in the Coupe de France.
Monaco’s position in the top four is now under threat, with Lille, Nice, and Lyon hot on their heels. A win here is crucial to maintaining their European ambitions.
Team News
Nantes
- Injuries:
- Tino Kadewere and Adel Mahamoud remain sidelined.
- Key Players:
- Matthis Abline has been in fine form, scoring the equalizer at Lille and netting a brace in the Coupe de France.
- Veteran goalkeeper Anthony Lopes is expected to start after making his debut following his move from Lyon.
Predicted Starting XI:
Lopes; Amian, Castelletto, Zeze, Cozza; Pedro Chirivella, Lepenant, Douglas Augusto; Thomas, Abline, Ganago
Monaco
- Injuries:
- First-choice goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki remains out, with Philipp Köhn set to deputize.
- Folarin Balogun is doubtful with a shoulder problem.
- Krépin Diatta is sidelined with a muscle issue.
- Christian Mawissa Elebi is unavailable.
- Returning Player:
- Wilfried Singo is back from suspension.
Predicted Starting XI:
Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Singo, Caio Henrique; Zakaria, Camara; Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir; Embolo
Prediction
Nantes’ recent upturn in form offers hope, but Monaco’s away record makes them favorites. The visitors have won 12 of their last 17 away games in Ligue 1 and will be desperate to bounce back after recent setbacks.
Score Prediction: Nantes 1-2 Monaco
Key Points to Watch
- Nantes’ Fight for Survival: Can Matthis Abline inspire another positive result?
- Monaco’s Away Dominance: Will Hütter’s men capitalize on Nantes’ defensive vulnerabilities?
- Midfield Battle: The performances of Pedro Chirivella and Denis Zakaria could decide the game.
