Nantes vs Clermont Prediction & Betting Tips - Ligue 1

Prediction published on 12/01/2024, 10:43  by Joseph King | Modified on 14/01/2024 at 01:00 in Ligue 1 Prediction

Ligue 1 returns from the winter break with matchday 18 as 13th-place Nantes hosts bottom-feeders Clermont Foot. Nantes were able to come through with a much-needed 4-1 away victory over lower-division Pau in the Coupe de France last weekend. It snapped a three game losing streak for the Canaries who entered into the holiday period with losses against PSG, Brest and, most recently, a 1-0 away loss to Lyon. Nantes will be hoping a return to the Stade de La Beaujoire against the division’s worst team will provide them with a spark as they look to rebound from a difficult stretch. The hosts have an ugly record of just 1-1-6 over their last eight league fixtures, a run of form which saw them drop to within four points of the bottom three league places.

Clermont Foot are in desperate need of points if they are to see a fourth consecutive season in the French top flight. Unfortunately for them, it’s looking more and more likely with every passing week that they’re going to be playing Ligue 2 football next season. The Lancers simply cannot find the net with any consistency, making it a near-impossible task to keep their heads above water. They are the lowest-scoring team in the division with just 11 goals scored in 17 league fixtures. This has them sitting bottom of the pile with only 11 points on a record of two wins, five draws and 11 defeats. They were at least able to grab a penalty shootout victory over Metz last weekend in the French Cup, a result that is sure to boost morale. It snapped a previous six match winless run which had seen the side lose four and draw twice.