Lens vs Nantes Prediction 09.11.2024 | Ligue 1

• Competition: Ligue 1
• Date: 09.11.2024
• Kickoff: 18:00 UK / 19:00 CET
• Venue: Stade Bollaert-Delelis (Lens) 

As expected, PSG remains the dominant force in Ligue 1 this season. Behind them, a group of 5-6 teams are vying for the highest positions and a spot in European competitions next season.

Among those teams is Lens, currently sitting in 7th place with 14 points. After a strong start with two wins, they hit a rough patch, drawing five consecutive matches. That streak was broken a few weeks ago with a comfortable away win against St. Etienne. However, a tough run of fixtures followed. First, they suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Lille, with both goals coming in injury time. Then, last week, they lost narrowly in what’s considered the toughest away game in the league, against PSG in Paris. Dembele scored in the 4th minute, and Lens never recovered from the early blow. Adding to their woes, young defender Abdukodir Khusanov received a red card early in the second half, leaving Lens to finish the match with ten men.

On the other hand, Nantes, the eight-time French champions, continue to struggle in their attempts to recapture former glory. Their best league finish in the past 20 years was 7th place seven seasons ago, and they’ve even spent a few years in Ligue 2. The highlight of recent years was their triumph in the 2021/22 French Cup, defeating Nice in the final. Unfortunately, this season has not gone as planned for the Canaries. Nantes have accumulated just 10 points so far and are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. Last week, they suffered another setback, losing 2-1 to Marseille, marking their seventh consecutive defeat. While it’s still early in the season, and there’s no reason for alarm just yet, Nantes desperately need to start picking up points soon. 

Lens vs Nantes pick: LENS TO WIN

This is a tricky match to predict, as both teams are struggling with form, but despite the circumstances, Lens remains the clear favorite. Since their return to Ligue 1 in the 2020/21 season, Lens hasn’t lost three consecutive matches, and that trend isn’t likely to change here. Even though they’ve been facing some difficulties lately, Lens is simply a more talented and well-rounded team than Nantes.

A positive factor for Lens is that they aren’t involved in any European competitions this season, allowing them to use the time between league matches to focus on training and tactics. Another advantage for them is their strong head-to-head record against Nantes, having gone unbeaten in their last five league meetings (3 wins, 2 draws).

Nantes, while not to be underestimated, will likely find form later in the season and escape the relegation zone. However, this isn’t the stadium where they should expect to earn points. A Lens victory seems inevitable.