Lorient vs Nantes Prediction & Betting Tips (31 January)

Beater of Monaco 1-3 and winner last week of the Breton derby in Rennes 0-2, Lorient never ceases to surprise. Its invincibility over the last 8 days (4 wins, 4 draws) allows the outgoing Ligue 2 champion to enter the first part of the table, in 9th place. The Merlus have done most of the work in the fight for maintenance and are ahead of the virtual barrage by 11 points. FC Nantes plunged into crisis last Sunday by conceding a heavy defeat at home against Nice 1-4.

A third unfavorable result in a row for Nantes, eliminated from the Coupe de France by the same Niçois 1-1, 3-5 TAB and surprised by Paris FC 1-2 in Ligue 1. Despite the change of coach orchestrated in recent weeks, the Canaries remain suffering. They are virtual play-offs after losing 5 of the last 6 Championship matches and are 6 points behind the first non-relegation club. 

FC Lorient is running at full speed despite a number of absentees. The unused Touré and Fadiga, the long-term absentee Katseris and the executives Faye (central defender), Yongwa (piston or central) and Tosin (3 goals in L1) continue their convalescence while the striker Bamba (1 goal in L1), who is entrusted with the supporting roles, is uncertain. Former Marseillais Dieng (8 goals including 2 in L1) plays an important role in his team's prosperous period. However, it was Pagis (6 goals in L1) and Makengo (2 goals in L1) who gave Lorient victory in the derby. Nantes cannot count on the rookie Machado (holder left back) nor probably the executives Coquelin and Leroux (midfielders), the potential holder Tabibou (midfield) and the replacements Centonze and Camara.

The starting defender Tati is suspended while the undesirables Kwon and Lahdo should remain out of the plans. In parallel with the departure of Benhattab and Hong, the club recorded the arrival of Ganago (return from loan to New England Revolution), Machado (ex Lens), midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko (ex Bochum), defenders Youssif (central, ex Club Africain) and Machado (ex Lens) and attacking midfielder Cabella (on loan from Olympiakos). Starting in the last 2 matches, Cabella scored his first goal at the start of the month. 

• Summary: Lorient is going head to head with Nantes starting on 31 Jan 2026 at 18:00 UTC at Stade Yves Allainmat-Le Moustoir stadium, Lorient city, France. The match is a part of the Ligue 1 .
• Referee: Bastien Dechepy
• Lorient Feedinco Rating: 6.78
• Nantes Feedinco Rating: 6.70