Nantes vs Lens Prediction & Betting Tips (3 February)

Forced to go through the dams to validate its continuation during the last exercise, FC Nantes would obviously like to avoid inflicting this ordeal again this year. But while it seemed well on its way to achieving this, the Cité des Ducs de Bretagne club experienced a huge slump from the beginning of December and went on to a very bad series of 4 defeats in a row against PSG 2 -1, Brest 0-2, Lyon 1-0 and Clermont 1-2. Last week, Jocelyn Gourvennec's men were still able to stop the bleeding by taking a point from Reims 0-0, a week after being eliminated from the Coupe de France by Laval 0-1. In the rankings, the Canaries are now in 13th position with only 3 units ahead of the jump-off. Opposite, Lens is battling to try to secure a new European qualification in the spring.

As it prepares to challenge Friborg in the Europa League play-offs within ten days, Racing is in rather average form. Eliminated from the Coupe de France by Monaco at the very beginning of the month, Franck Haise's players were then beaten at home by PSG 0-2 despite a rather interesting match. On the other hand, the Sang et Or were able to recover last Sunday by winning a rather precious victory against Toulouse 0-2. Thanks to this success, the Artésiens were able to move up to 8th position in the ranking, 3 units from the top 5.

Eliminated from the CAN with Cameroon and Egypt, senior defender Castelletto and top scorer Mohamed (6 goals) will return to Jocelyn Gourvennec's group this weekend. However, this will not be the case for midfielder Moutoussamy and the dynamic Simon (3 goals, 4 assists) who are still in the running. In addition, striker Ganago and young defender Meupiyou remain on the flank while rookie Bénie Traoré must serve his 3rd and final match suspension. Finally, defender Cömert joined the infirmary last week. We should undoubtedly find in this team the playing master Florent Mollet (4 goals, 3 assists in Ligue 1) as well as the former Le Havre Kadewere recruited this winter (Lyon, loan). Defenders Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel and Jaouen Hadjam are sidelined pending a potential departure while Marquinhos (Arsenal) and Adson (Vasco da Gama) have left. Another transfer to note is that of left back Merlin for OM. Amian (Spezia) has arrived to replace him, as has the interesting Nicolas Cozza (Wolfsburg, loan) who is not available this Saturday. Also note the arrival of midfielder Lamine Diack (Ankaragücü).

Sent off against PSG, senior defender Gradit will serve his second match of suspension. On the other hand, the essential piston Frankowski is allowed to play again. The long-term injured Cabot and the important left piston Machado are still too tight to be in the group. Striker Guilavogui remains with his selection to play in the CAN, but Nampalys Mendy (eliminated with Senegal) is back, while replacements Khusanov and Oscar Cortes participate, respectively, in the Asian Cup and the pre-Olympic tournament. The latter was loaned to Rangers this winter anyway. Replacement goalkeeper Farinez and full-back Maouassa left the club this winter but left back Jhoanner Chavez (Bahia) arrived. Against Toulouse, midfielder Diouf stood out by scoring a very nice half-volley for his team's 2nd goal.