In a high-stakes showdown, two relegation-threatened teams, Nantes and Clermont, meet at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday.
With only a six-point cushion above the drop zone, Nantes desperately need a win to avoid sliding further down the table.
Clermont, on the other hand, are languishing at the bottom of the table and will be hoping to pick up the all-important three points.
Match preview:
Nantes come into this game with a much-needed boost after winning the Coupe deux France He played against Pau and won 4-1.
Although it was a match against a team from the second division, this result gave coach Jocelyn Gruveneck's team confidence.
Nantes have struggled to find the back of the net all season, scoring as many goals as they have in their last nine games. Ligue 1 match Combined.
Additionally, their defense is weak, conceding the second-most goals in the league. However, Nantes holds a favorable record against Clermont and has never lost to Clermont. Ligue 1.
Meanwhile, Clermont face a difficult task as they sit at the bottom of the table, five points adrift of safety. Ligue 1.
Their hopes of survival look bleak, but with 21 league games remaining, there is still a glimmer of hope.
Pascal Gastien's side got off to a strong start this year, securing a 1-1 draw with Metz in the Coupe de France and making it through to penalties.
However, their recent form has been unimpressive, with them failing to win their last six domestic games.
Team news:
Nantes will be without four key players for this important match.Mostafa Mohamed and Moses Simon are representing their countries at the tournament. africa cup of nationsSamuel Muthusamy and Jean-Charles Castellet were also called up for international duty.
Ignatius Ganago is out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, while Bastien Mpilyu remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Looking ahead, Tino Kadewere showed his scoring ability in the last match and will be an important player for Nantes.
Clermont will also be without three players due to their participation in the African Cup of Nations.
Molly Diaw, Alidou Seydou and Jeremy Vera will be absent from the squad. Elbasan Rashani is likely to miss the match due to a shoulder injury, while Maximiliano Caufrees is suspended.
Despite these setbacks, Clermont will rely on Jim Alevina and others to lead the attack.
Possible lineup:
Nantes: (3-4-1-2)
Lafon.
Parois, Comert, Duverne.
Coco, Chilibella, Sissoko, Merlin.
Mollet.
Abrain, Bamba
Clermont: (3-4-2-1)
Ndiai;
Perumal, Ogier, Arumgom.
Konate, Keita, Gastian, Borges.
Gonalon, Alevina.
nicholson
prediction: Nantes 0-0 Clermont
Both teams are in poor form and are missing key players, so a tense and tough match is expected. Considering the recent slump in scoring, Nantes vs. Clermont is expected to be a scoreless draw. Both teams will take a cautious approach, prioritizing defensive solidity over offensive flair.