Match Overview

The Matchday 3 fixture of Ligue 1 between FC Nantes and AJ Auxerre is scheduled for August 30th at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Here’s our comprehensive prediction, analysis, and betting tip for the Nantes vs Auxerre encounter.

FC Nantes Analysis

Recent Form and Goal Drought

Nantes has had a challenging start to the championship, losing both opening matches with an identical score of 0:1 against PSG and Strasbourg. However, it’s worth noting that the team hasn’t lost three consecutive Ligue 1 matches since December 2024. Nantes is one of only two clubs in the current championship, alongside Metz, that has yet to score a single goal. Despite their offensive struggles, the Breton side is currently outside the relegation and playoff zones, sitting 15th in the Ligue 1 standings.

Home Performance Concerns

Their home record has been particularly concerning, with Nantes failing to win in 22 of their last 27 previous league matches (6 draws, 16 losses).

Key Statistics for Nantes

• At least one team has failed to score in 5 of Nantes’ last 6 Ligue 1 matches.
• No more than 2 goals have been scored in 6 of the club’s last 7 matches in this tournament.
• The team has not scored more than 1 goal in 6 of their last 7 home league matches.

Nantes’ Projected Lineup (4-5-1)*

Anthony Lopes – Kelvin Amian, Chidozie Awaziem, Taylell Tati, Nicolas Cozza – Francis Coquelin – Francis Coquelin, Yassine Benhattab, Johann Lepenant, Louis Leroux, Bahereba Guirassy – Mostafa Mohamed.

AJ Auxerre Analysis

Early Season Performance

Auxerre secured a 1:0 victory over Lorient in their opening match but then suffered a 1:3 defeat to Nice in their subsequent fixture. Nevertheless, the club’s scoring streak in the French championship continues, now standing at 12 consecutive matches.

Away Game Struggles

Last season, Auxerre had a poor away record in Ligue 1, failing to win in 13 out of 17 matches (3 draws, 10 losses), with a negative goal difference of 24:34. It’s important to note that the team has lost 3 of their last 4 away matches in the French championship by an identical score of 1:3 (with 1 win).

Key Statistics for Auxerre

• Both teams have scored in 6 of Auxerre’s last 8 matches in the French top flight.
• The club’s away scoring streak in Ligue 1 spans 9 matches.
• Auxerre has not won in 6 of their last 8 league matches (1 draw, 5 losses).

Auxerre’s Projected Lineup (5-4-1)*

Donovan Léon – Gideon Mensah, Clément Akpa, Francisco Sierralta, Gabriel Osho, Marvin Senaya – Josué Casimir, Kevin Danois, Elisha Owusu, Kevin Danois, Ibrahim Osman – Lassine Sinayoko.

Player Absence

First-choice goalkeeper Donovan Léon is suspended for 2 matches due to a red card in the previous round.

Match Official

Referee Profile: Stéphanie Frappart

Stéphanie Frappart (France)

Matches officiated – 16 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 63;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.9;

Red cards shown – 4;

Average fouls per match – 27;

Penalties awarded – 25%.

Nantes vs Auxerre Match Prediction

Detailed Match Analysis

Nantes faced a tough schedule at the start of the season, playing against the defending champions and a team that finished in a European qualification spot last season. In both instances, Nantes lost by a single goal, although their performance in both matches suggested they could have lost by a wider margin, especially against PSG. I don’t anticipate an easier match for the Breton side here.

Auxerre’s Offensive Threat

Auxerre managed to defeat last season’s Ligue 2 champions in their first match and then narrowly lost to Nice away from home in a competitive game. Crucially, Auxerre has shown consistent goal-scoring ability, finding the net in 12 consecutive Ligue 1 matches, including against top French teams during this period.

Betting Recommendation

I am confident that Auxerre will score against Nantes, a team that has not demonstrated a reliable defense, conceding 52 goals last season. The Breton side has also conceded in both their matches this current championship, as noted earlier. Therefore, my prediction is for Auxerre Individual Total Over 0.5 goals, with a coefficient of 1.47.

Disclaimer on Lineups

*The starting lineup listed for each team refers to their last match in this tournament. Ligue 1