Value outsiders in French playoff
Eight time Ligue 1 champions Nantes find themselves in the relegation playoff position, despite putting together some excellent form towards the end of the league season the Yellow House ended up in 18th position. Toulouse were in the automatic promotion conversation for much of the Ligue 2 campaign but fell narrowly short, a comprehensive 3-0 win against Grenoble has earned them this shot at Nantes, the club will be looking to bounce straight back to the topflight after getting relegated in the shortened 2019/20 season. The hosts are narrow favourites but with Nantes impressive performances in the second half of the season I see some value in getting the visitors on side.
Context
Nantes looked resigned to dropping into the second tier midway through the season as Raymond Domenech’s tenure continued to suck them towards the foot of the table. But the appointment of Antoine Kombouare has given them a fighting chance. The 57-year-old has been around the blocks in terms of topflight French clubs, spending time at Strasbourg, Lens, Dijon, Guingamp and most recently Toulouse where he was relieved of his duties in early 2020. Looking to beat his former club to keep Nantes in Ligue 1 definitely adds a bit of spice to the occasion.
Nantes will be looking to make it eight consecutive seasons in the top tier, but the history of the club suggests they should be competing at a much higher level than worrying about maintaining their status. Ludovic Blas is their main attacking threat, the 23-year-old has been their top scorer in both of the last two seasons even though he only joined a way into the 2019/20 campaign. The versatile attacking midfielder has scored ten and assisted five this term, he will be a key cog in the Nantes engine if they are to complete their escape.
Goals?
Both sides have been entertaining of late but with the significance of this fixture, both managers are likely to adopt a more pragmatic approach.
- Toulouse have scored in nine of ten.
- Toulouse have conceded in six of ten.
- Toulouse have seen both teams score in five of ten.
- Toulouse have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
- Nantes have scored in nine of ten.
- Nantes have conceded in eight of ten.
- Nantes have seen both teams score in seven of ten.
- Nantes have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
Ending the season with four wins out of five, Nantes have to come into this matchup feeling confident. They were unlucky not to survive on the final day and have the quality to make up for that in this tie.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-1 Nantes, perfect start to the week.