Nantes – Freiburg : Preview & Prediction
After losing two games in a row away from home in the UEFA Europa League (UEL), Nantes will be grateful to return home, where they beat Olympiacos 2-1. The 3-0 derby loss to Rennes at the weekend was not ideal in preparation for this tricky clash, and coach Antoine Kombouaré said he was “embarrassed” as the team now faces Freiburg after going six games without a win (E1, P5).
Those five defeats were away, but, having never beaten a German side (E1, P4), it looks difficult to improve. Even scoring a goal could be a good sign for Nantes, as their only goal in five games (E1, P4) came thanks to an own goal.
Seeing as Freiburg have only conceded one goal in the UEL, this looks like a tough opponent for Nantes. The German side is not likely to show mercy, as a win would qualify them for the next round and, in addition, they have ten matches without defeat (G7, E3), so they appear as clear favorites for this match.
A late goal kept their unbeaten run alive when they salvaged a 2-2 draw with Hertha Berlin last weekend, although that bad game is explained by coach Christian Streich’s absence due to coronavirus. Perhaps he can return for this match, but even if not he will be hoping his Freiburg can swing the team’s European away records (G3, E3, P3) in their favor.
Players to watch: Moses Simon was the last Nantes player to score, in September, and his last two goals were the last of the match. Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo scored the last goal in last week’s match between these two teams, but his previous three goals opened the scoring.
Key stat: Nantes are unbeaten in their last eight home games in the UEFA Cup or Europa League (G7, E1).
Nantes – Freiburg : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
