Nantes vs Lorient prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-02-11 16:05.
Nantes manager Antoine Kombouaré has inspired a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes, and after losing just one of their last ten competitive matches (W6, D3), he’s reportedly about to be rewarded with a contract extension. Now in a much healthier mid-table position in Ligue 1 while still battling in the Cup and Europe, things are looking up for the reigning Coupe de France champions, who inched closer to defending their crown with a victory on penalties against Angers in midweek.
While fans won’t be allowed into Stade de la Beaujoire for next month’s Cup quarter-final against Lens as punishment for using smoke bombs in last year’s final, they’ll certainly turn out in their numbers against Lorient. It’s about time they were given something to cheer too, as Nantes are looking to end a two-game run without scoring here in Ligue 1 (D1, L1) and you’d have to go back to September 2016 for the last time they failed to score in three straight home league fixtures!
Like their hosts, Lorient were taken to penalties in midweek Cup action, but losing to Lens means they can now solely focus on attempting to emulate their best ever Ligue 1 finish of seventh achieved in 2009/10. They’re on track at the moment, sitting in that very position coming into the round, but they have started February poorly by losing 4-2 to Reims and then drawing 0-0 with bottom side Angers.
This looks like another tough assignment for Les Merlus given they haven’t won an away H2H since January 2007 (D3, L5) and have lost each of their last two league away fixtures by two goal margins, despite scoring first in both. Yet they still maintain one of the strongest away records in Ligue 1 this term (W5, D3, L3), albeit mostly due to their early-season form.
Players to watch: January signing Florent Mollet scored in the 87th minute for Nantes in midweek, meaning both of his competitive strikes this term arrived after the 80th minute. Lorient’s Enzo Le Fée also netted a late goal on Thursday, with two of his last three efforts coming after the 80th minute.
Hot streak: None of the last eight league H2Hs produced a goalless second half (Nantes: W6, D1, L1).