Brest – Nantes : Preview & Prediction
After a final matchday in which none of the bottom seven teams in Ligue 1 picked up a win, Brest and Nantes remained on the wrong side of a four-team glut separated by just one point, and all of whom are trying to avoid the final relegation spot. Still, things are looking up for EL Brest, as coach Éric Roy has already led two five-game unbeaten league streaks, including one before this match to put them on the brink of salvation (G2, E3).
Returning to the Stade Francis-Le Blé can only be seen as another positive for Brest, who have won as many home league games in their last two outings here (G2) as they have in their first 13 (G2, E5, 6P). But to continue in that vein, Brest must claim their first home league win over “Les Canaris” since the turn of the century (E2, P3 since).
Nantes coach Antoine Kombouaré was shocked after his team went down 5-1 in the Coupe de France final over the weekend, the heaviest defeat of any team in the final since 1970. Kombouaré stated in the wake of the defeat that his team “needs to recover quickly” to secure relegation, as they are out of the relegation zone only thanks to goal difference.
That being the case, ending a brutal nine-game winless streak IN the league is imperative for Nantes (E4, P5), who have conceded at least two goals in six of their last seven Ligue 1 appearances. Perhaps a trip to Brest will be the catalyst for their success, as Nantes have an impressive 62% win rate against them in the top flight (G16, E5, P5), which is one of their best results against any team specifically.
Players to watch: Noah Fadiga’s lone goal for Brest helped put his side ahead in the first-round meeting between these sides, although that was one of nine league games out of 15 this season in which Brest scored first but still couldn’t win (G6, E6 , P3). Ludovic Blas missed a penalty and made an assist for Nantes that day, and could be in the thick of the action again after scoring three goals and assisting two in his last five games.
Weekend stat: Nantes has scored at least twice in four of its six league games against teams that start the day below it (G2, E4).
Brest – Nantes : Betting Tips
Under 2.5 Goals Odds: 2.25
