Match Preview: Strasbourg vs Nantes

The Ligue 1 Matchday 2 fixture between Strasbourg and Nantes will take place on August 24 at the Stade de la Meinau. Here’s our prediction, betting tips, odds, and statistics for Strasbourg vs Nantes.

Strasbourg Team Analysis

The Alsatians kicked off their French championship campaign with a 1-0 away victory over Metz. This win ended their two-match losing streak in the tournament, as well as a run of four Ligue 1 games where they conceded goals. At home, Strasbourg had an excellent record last season in Ligue 1, remaining unbeaten in 15 of 17 matches (10 wins, 5 draws). The club was particularly potent at home towards the end of the previous season, scoring at least twice in their last six home fixtures. However, it should be noted that in all six of these matches, the Alsatians failed to keep a clean sheet.

• The club has not lost in 13 of its last 15 Ligue 1 matches (10 wins, 3 draws).
• At least 3 goals were scored in Strasbourg’s last 6 home matches in this tournament.
• Goals were scored in both halves in 5 of Strasbourg’s last 6 home games in the French championship.

Strasbourg Probable Lineup (5-3-2)*

Matthieu Dreyer – Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Junior Mwanga, Lucas Houssberg, Mamadou Sarr, Gemisson Ouattara – Samir El-Mourabet, Felix Lemarechal, Valentin Barco – Joaquin Panichelli, Emanuel Emegha.

Nantes Team Analysis

The Bretons started the new Ligue 1 season with a 0-1 defeat to the reigning champions, PSG. As a result, Nantes has failed to win in 6 of their last 7 Ligue 1 matches (3 draws, 3 losses). However, it’s worth noting that the club has not conceded more than one goal in their last 6 matches in this tournament. Away from home, Nantes’ defense is not as strong; they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 16 Ligue 1 away fixtures, conceding at least two goals in half of those games. Overall, the team performed poorly away last season, earning only 15 of their 36 points in the league table on the road.

• The club has won with a (+1.5) handicap in their last 11 matches in the French top flight.
• No more than 2 goals were scored in 5 of Nantes’ last 6 Ligue 1 matches.
• The Bretons have scored in 12 of their last 13 away matches in the championship.

Nantes Probable Lineup (4-4-2)*

Alban Lafont – Taylel Tati, Chidozie Awaziem, Kelvin Amian, Nicolas Cozza – Kwon Hyeok-kyu, Johann Lepenant, Louis Leroux, Yassin Benhattab – Bachereba Guirassy, Mostafa Mohamed.

Team News: Injuries

Defenders Mathieu Akapandi, Fabien Santonz, and midfielder Maikel Lado are unavailable due to health issues.

Referee Overview

Bastien Dechepy (France)

Matches officiated – 13 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 56;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;

Red cards shown – 0;

Average fouls per match – 27;

Penalties awarded – 54%.

Match Prediction: Strasbourg vs Nantes

Strasbourg faced a much easier opponent than Nantes at the start of the championship, confidently beating newcomers Metz 1-0. Nantes, on the other hand, was tested by the multiple champions, and they were lucky to lose by only one goal, as the Parisians dominated the match. I don’t think the upcoming match will be significantly easier for the visitors. As mentioned above, Strasbourg is very strong at home in the championship. Additionally, they have won 7 of their last 10 home matches in Ligue 1.

Nantes, however, struggled in away matches last season, failing to win in 14 of 17 games (6 draws, 8 losses). The significant squad losses during the current transfer window will also continue to impact the club’s performance. The only argument in favor of Nantes is the additional match Strasbourg will play on Thursday in the Conference League. This European game could affect the hosts’ physical condition, making them less fresh than the visitors. However, I don’t believe this factor will be decisive, as Strasbourg’s squad depth looks much more favorable than Nantes’. The hosts’ current form also leaves no doubt about their superiority.

The head-to-head statistics also favor the Alsatians; they have beaten Nantes in 5 of their last 7 Ligue 1 encounters. I believe Strasbourg will take all three points this time. My prediction is “Strasbourg Win” at odds of 1.77

Author’s Pick

Roman Sedov

* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.