Nantes, who won their first Ligue 1 game of the season against Troyes, will play Lyon, who drew 3:3 to Bordeaux which may have felt like a loss. In the other game Amiens, who fell further down a hole after a 3:0 loss to Saint Etienne, will host Nice, who overcame Guingamp to win their first points of the season.
Nantes vs. Lyon
3-Way: 1: Nantes +275; X: +265 Draw; 2: Lyon +119
Spread +0.5: Nantes -120; Lyon +117
Total +2.5: Over -112; Under +106
Nantes
A ten-man Nantes side went third time lucky as they finally registered their first points of the Ligue 1 campaign after beating Troyes away with 1:0. It was a poor start for Nantes, as a rash, high and late challenge from defender Chidozie Awaziem saw him receive his marching orders, with a straight red card. Despite this, Nantes still maintained a foothold in the game and even almost scored through Jules Iloki, but his shot was smartly saved after a one-on-one with the keeper.
Nantes kept piling on the pressure and eventually the goal came through an Emiliano Sala side-footed volley into the corner of the net after an inch-perfect cross by David Alcibiades. Les Canaris managed to hold on to their lead for the last ten minutes of the game and end Troyes unbeaten run.
The result means that Nantes have ended a run of five games without a win and manager Claudio Ranieri will have been delighted to do so. One huge positive will be the clean sheet with goalkeeper Ciprian Tătărușanu pivotal to his side’s defense once again, at one point making a great save as he clawed out the ball while it seemed destined to drop into the net. Tătărușanu will have to be on top form again if they are to keep out their next opponents.
Nantes has been busy in the transfer market recently, with new additions coming in, namely forward Kalifa Coulibaly from KAA Gent for 4.4 million euros and winger Yassine El Ghanassy from KV Oostende for an unknown fee, who should both add needed attacking power to Nantes line-up.
Manager Claudio Ranieri will be without Kayembe (cruciate ligament rupture) through injury, but will otherwise have a full squad.
Lyon
A thrilling home encounter with Bordeaux left Lyon bitter as they drew 3:3 when they probably should have won. New captain Nabil Fekir opened the scoring extraordinarily as he lobbed the keeper from 54 metres; an audacious effort to say the least. Lyon then added a second thirteen minutes later as a high arching cross from Depay found its way to the foot of Kenny Tete to finish. With a 2:0 score-line it looked as though Lyon were to set to go on and win the game, and they may have, were it not for Sergi Darder being sent off after two bookings in three minutes.
Following the sending off, Bordeaux replied with a long-range strike from forward Malcom, as his powerful effort deflected off a Lyon defender to leave keeper Anthony Lopes stranded and helpless as he watched the ball fly into the opposite corner to where he stood. However, calm was restored through Bertrand Traore when he made it 3:1 with a beautifully struck free kick.
Although, it became a calm that was before a Bordeaux storm as they finally took advantage of the extra man and scored twice in the last minutes of the game. The equalizer came in the 91st minute of the game from a sizzling shot from range that went in off the underside of the crossbar and signified a brace for Malcom, who tormented the Lyon defenders all game.
On balance, the result was probably fair, and although we’ve seen once again Lyon’s impressive abilities going forward, we may have seen the first sign of fragilities of their defense. Saying that Lyon went a man down early and managed to keep their opponents out of the goal for most of the game, despite only retaining 38% possession. We will see how much of their strengths and weaknesses have been already exposed after they play PSG away on 17th September.
Manager Bruno Génésio will be with a full squad roster for Saturday’s game.
Nantes vs. Lyon – MATCH PREDICTION
Although Nantes is improving and look strong defensively, I believe Lyon will probably have a little bit too much for the Nantes defense, but it will likely be a close game.
Nantes has not conceded more than a goal at home since 12th February in Ligue 1, so I would go for a low-scoring game over a Lyon win.
MY PICK: Under 2.5 goals (+106)
Amiens vs. Nice
3-Way: 1: Amiens +274; X: +235 Draw; 2: Nice +142
Spread +0.5: Amiens -141; Nice +131
Total +2.5: Over +133; Under -139
Amiens
Amiens SC continued their poor start to life in Ligue 1 as they lost their third league game in row 3:0 to St Etienne. Despite playing five at the back, the Amiens defense was unable to deal with St Etienne’s incisive attacks and in particular the runs of Lois Diony.
Additionally, Lois Diony won two penalties for his side, with the second coming from poor concentration as Amiens played him through on goal while passing around the defense. Saint Etienne broke through the Amiens defense, again and again, eventually adding a third with an open goal after Regis Gurtner blocked another opposition player from scoring. Despite a disappointing result, Amiens came close twice as Tanguy NDombele was unlucky after some sleek skills allowed him space to take a shot from wide, but the ball narrowly missed, hitting the underside of the crossbar, and they also hit the post in the second half with a half-volley.
Another loss in the Ligue 1 competition is another worry for a side who have now lost six games in a row. Once again Amiens were poor defensively and lacked bite up front. Saying that, Amiens did create chances, with thirteen shots to their opponents eight and a 54% share of possession, so the result was a little unjust.
Christophe Pélissier will have a full squad selection.
Nice
Nice finally obtained their first win of the new Ligue 1 season on Wesley Sneijder’s debut as they defeated Guingamp 2:0. The first goal came just before half time from winger Alassane Pléa as he showed strength to hold off defenders in the box, and finished with a turn and shot to squirm the ball past the defenders and the keeper, and Pléa looked dangerous throughout. Nice added the second shortly after half time, as Pléa went on a dynamic run and produced a shot that was saved and consequently found its way to Pierre Lees Melou’s head, which set up Rémi Walter for a cheeky chip into the back of the net. A positive day for Nice was rounded off by Balotelli making his first appearance of the season, and he got straight into the action as he forced a good save through a threatening free-kick.
Their first win of the Ligue 1 new season would have been a huge relief for manager Lucien Favre’s side, and now their season looks like it may recover along with the introduction of Wesley Sneijder and the return of Mario Balotelli. A further reason for contentment will be Jean Michel Seri as it seems he will be staying after he apparently agreed on a deal with Barcelona, who has since pulled out of the deal. It’s not all nice for the Nice side as they’ve had to come to terms with not making the Champions League, having been knocked out by Napoli 4:0 on aggregate.
Lucien Favre will be without Wylan Cyprien (cruciate ligament rupture) through injury, while Mario Balotelli (leg) is doubtful.
Amiens vs. Nice – MATCH PREDICTION
Amiens has looked way out of their depth so far in the Ligue 1 competition, and for that reason, I can’t see them getting a result against a Nice side who have risen from the ashes.
A Nice win is one of the safest bets you can make this weekend.
MY PICK: Nice to WIN (+142)
