The Matchday 2 clash in Ligue 1 between Strasbourg and Nantes will take place on August 24 at the Stade de la Meinau. Strasbourg vs. Nantes: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Strasbourg
The Alsatians kicked off with an away victory over Metz, winning 1-0 in the French Championship. This win ended their streak of two defeats in the tournament and a run of four matches where they conceded goals in Ligue 1. At home, Strasbourg performed excellently last season in Ligue 1, remaining unbeaten in 15 of 17 matches (10 wins, 5 draws). Particularly impressive was their end to the previous season at home, scoring at least twice in their last six encounters. However, it's worth noting that in all these six cases, the Alsatians failed to keep a clean sheet.
- The club has not lost in 13 of their last 15 Ligue 1 matches (10 wins, 3 draws).
- At least three goals have been scored in Strasbourg's last six home games in this tournament.
- There was a goal in both halves in 5 of Strasbourg's last 6 home matches in the French Championship.
Predicted lineup for Strasbourg (5-3-2)
Mike Penders – Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Junior Mwanga, Lucas Hoysberg, Mamadou Sarr, Gemisonge Ouattara – Samir El-Morabiti, Felix Lemarechal, Valentin Barco – Joaquin Panichelli, Emanuel Emega.
Nantes
The Bretons started the new Ligue 1 season with a loss to the champions, PSG, by a score of 0-1. Thus, Nantes has failed to win in 6 of their last 7 matches in the French Championship (3 draws, 3 losses). However, it's important to note that the club has not conceded more than one goal in six matches in this tournament. On the road, however, the Bretons' defense is not as solid, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 16 away Ligue 1 encounters, with at least two goals conceded in half of those games. Overall, the team performed poorly away from home in the previous championship, collecting only 15 of their 36 points in the league standings.
- The club has won with a handicap (+1.5) in their last 11 matches in the elite French division.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 5 of Nantes' last 6 Ligue 1 matches.
- The Bretons have scored in 12 of their last 13 away matches in the championship.
Predicted lineup for Nantes (4-4-2)
Anthony Lopes – Tayel Tati, Chidozie Awaziem, Kelvin Amian, Nicolas Cozza – Kwon Hee-Kyu, Johann Lepenant, Louis Leroux, Yassine Benhattab – Bacheraba Guirassy, Mostafa Mohamed.
Defenders Mathieu Acapandié, Fabien Santons, and midfielder Michael Lado are unavailable due to health issues.
Referee
Bastien Dechepy (France)
Matches – 13 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 56;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 54%.
Strasbourg vs. Nantes: Match Prediction
The hosts faced a much easier opponent than the visitors at the start of the championship, confidently defeating the newcomer of the current season, Metz. Meanwhile, the Bretons were tested by the multiple champions, and Nantes was fortunate to lose by just one goal, as PSG dominated the match. I don't think the upcoming match will be significantly easier for the visitors. Strasbourg is very strong at home in the championship, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, they have won 7 of their last 10 home Ligue 1 matches.
On the other hand, Nantes struggled in away matches last season, failing to win in 14 of 17 games (6 draws, 8 losses). Significant losses in their squad during the current transfer window will continue to affect the club's performance. The only argument in favor of Nantes is the additional match Strasbourg plays on Thursday in the Conference League. The European competition match could impact the physical condition of the hosts, who might lack freshness compared to the visitors. However, I don't think this factor will be decisive, as Strasbourg's squad depth is far superior to the Bretons. Moreover, the current form of the hosts leaves no doubt about their superiority.
Statistics from recent head-to-head encounters also favor the Alsatians, as they have defeated Nantes in 5 of their last 7 Ligue 1 matches. I believe the team will secure 3 points this time as well. My prediction: Strasbourg Victory
