Lens vs Nantes prediction, H2H & Probable Line-ups - November 9, 2024

In Ligue 1 on November 9, Lens will face Nantes. Here’s my exclusive prediction for this matchup—can the hosts live up to their favorite status?

• Also read: Liverpool vs Aston Villa prediction, H2H & Probable Line-ups - November 9, 2024

Lens

The “Blood and Gold” started the season well, going unbeaten in eight games, but their last two losses have impacted their position, putting them seventh in Ligue 1, four points behind the top four.

First, they suffered a 0-2 home loss to Lille, conceding both goals in stoppage time, and then a narrow 0-1 away loss to PSG, where they played a third of the match with ten men. These recent setbacks can be partly attributed to the strength of their opponents. Lens is defensively solid and concedes few goals but struggles in attack, scoring at a level similar to relegation-threatened teams.

Nantes

Nantes, who was among the league leaders after three rounds with seven points, has since gone winless in seven matches, collecting only three points during this stretch.

In their last game, the "Canaries" couldn’t hold their ground at home against Marseille, losing 1-2. They currently sit in 14th place, narrowly above the relegation playoff zone, ahead of Saint-Étienne only on goal difference. Nantes urgently needs to end this winless streak to avoid slipping further toward the relegation zone.

Probable Lineups

• Lens: Samba, Sarr, Gradit, Danso, Machado, Thomasson, Diouf, Chavez, Zaroury, Sotoca, Ojediran.
• Nantes: Lafont, Coco, Castelletto, Pallois, Cozza, Chirivella, Augusto, Sima, Kadervere, Simon, Mostafa.

Match Facts

• Lens has 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss at home this season, conceding only in their single loss.
• Nantes has been inconsistent on the road, with 2 losses, 2 draws, and 1 win.
• Odds for this match: Lens 1.64, Draw 3.9, Nantes 5.7.

Head-to-Head

Last season, Lens won both meetings with Nantes, 4-0 at home and 1-0 away.

Prediction

Lens is the clear favorite, and I agree with this view. Despite recent setbacks, they have shown a more consistent level than Nantes this season. Nantes may put up a fight, but it’s likely to be a tough trip. I’m backing a straightforward win for Lens, and a bet on a low total goals option is also worth considering.