Preview: Nantes vs. Lens - prediction, team news, lineups

Nantes entertain Lens in Ligue 1 on Sunday afternoon with both sides looking to address their recent poor form.

The hosts are without a win in their last 10 matches, while Franck Haise's men have lost three of their four outings.

Match preview

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Les Canaris have endured a torrid 2020-21 campaign to date, picking up just 17 points from their opening 19 top-flight matches.

Raymond Domenech's men sit just three points above the relegation zone, and with Dijon starting to put in improved performances of late, the situation is getting worse by the week at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

Nantes made the shock decision to turn to the former France national team coach after sacking Christian Gourcuff in December.

The 68-year-old had been out of management since Le Blues exited the 2010 World Cup at the group stages.

Nantes have drawn both of their games under Domenech's stewardship and will be viewing the visit of Lens as a good opportunity to claim their first victory under the new regime.

Lens have enjoyed the first half of the season and are sitting comfortably in mid-table, despite this being their first campaign back in Ligue 1 after winning promotion in 2019-20.

Former Chelsea man Gael Kakuta has been in inspired form of late with his seven goals and four assists firing Sang et Or to within six points of Monaco, who currently occupy the final Champions League spot.

However, Haise's side have struggled in recent weeks. A shock 1-0 loss on home soil to Strasbourg last time out means Lens have only picked up three points from a possible 12.

The 1997-98 league champions will want to address their poor fortunes as quickly as possible, and three points against relegation-threatened Nantes could be the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Nantes Ligue 1 form: DLDLDD

Lens Ligue 1 form: LWLWLL

Team News

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Left-winger Anthony Limbombe is a long-term absentee for Nantes, with the 26-year-old suffering from an abductor tear.

He is joined on the sidelines by fellow midfielder Moses Simon, who picked up a muscle problem last time out.

Lens are currently suffering from a string of injuries. Full-back Cheick Traore has been unavailable since the summer when he ruptured an Achilles tendon.

Tony Mauricio, Loic Bade and Corentin Jean are keeping the defender company on the treatment table, with the trio expected to be out for a few more weeks yet.

Nantes possible starting lineup: Lafont; Fabio, Pallois, Girotto, Corchia; Louza, Toure, Abeid, Coco; Coulibaly, Kolo

Lens possible starting lineup: Leca; Gradit, Bade, Fortes; Clauss, Doucoure, Fofana, Boura; Kakuta; Sotoca, Ganago

We say: Nantes 1-1 Lens

Lens tend not to draw many matches, but their recent woes and the stubbornness that Nantes have shown in their two outings under Domenech suggest the two teams could be taking home a share of the spoils over the weekend.

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