With the race for points heating up in Ligue 1, league leaders Lens visit relegation contenders Nantes at Stade de la Beaujoire in a bid to secure their fifth consecutive victory on Saturday, 6 December.
Keep close tabs on French Ligue 1 predictions after viewing our key Nantes vs Lens tips below.
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Nantes vs Lens prediction: Les Sang et Or to beat the Canaries
Key stats
- Nantes are on a five-match winless streak in the top-flight (D2, L3).
- The Canaries have scored two goals in their previous four games.
- Lens have claimed two clean sheets across their last four wins.
- The visitors have conceded the fewest away goals this calendar year (18).
Correct score prediction: Nantes 0-2 Lens
Lyon inflicted Nantes’ fourth defeat in seven games, thrashing the Canaries 3-0 to leave them sulking inside the relegation zone after 14 rounds. Luis Castro has been struggling to get the club from the Atlantic coast running, as they now remain winless in five successive league outings.
In stark contrast, Lens have emerged from the shadows to oust Paris Saint-Germain from the top spot following a fourth consecutive success. The visitors will be confident of their form, with their 2-0 loss to Metz in late October their only defeat in 10 Ligue 1 fixtures.
As things stand, Lens are clear favourites to earn all three points away at Nantes, who could very well slump further below their current position depending on how results go elsewhere.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Polar odds
- HOME: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
- AWAY: 13/20 (1.65) – 60.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Nantes are the worst performing home side in the top division so far, picking up five points from a possible 21. They are backed by odds of 19/5 (4.80), indicating a 20.8% chance of success.
Lens have been impressive away from home, going unbeaten in five of their seven trips on the road (W4, D1). The visitors are priced at 13/20 (1.65) odds, implying a 60.6% probability of success away at Nantes.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips page after analysing our Nantes vs Lens predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: One way road
Nantes and Lens meet for the 100th time across all competitions. It is Lens who have been dominant in recent Ligue 1 meetings though, with Nantes’ 3-1 victory in their last meeting at the start of the year their only league defeat in seven recent H2Hs.
France Ligue 1 23/02/25
Nantes
Lens
France Ligue 1 09/11/24
Lens
Nantes
France Ligue 1 03/02/24
Nantes
Lens
France Ligue 1 28/10/23
Lens
Nantes
France Cup 01/03/23
Nantes
Lens
Nantes preview: Can they upset the odds?
Junor Mwanga, Francis Coquelin and Louis Leroux are confirmed absentees for Castro and co.
Predicted lineup: Lopes (GK), Amian, Awaziem, Tati, Cozza, Hyeok-kyu, Lepenant, Hyun-seok, Guirassy, Mohamed & Abline
Last five matches:
- Lyon 3-0 Nantes (Ligue 1)
- Nantes 1-1 Lorient (Ligue 1)
- Le Havre 1-1 Nantes (Ligue 1)
- Nantes 0-2 Metz (Ligue 1)
- Nantes 3-5 Monaco (Ligue 1)
Lens preview: Three names missing
Jonathan Gradit sits out with an injury, while Morgan Guilavogui and Adrien Thomasson miss out due to disciplinary suspensions.
Predicted lineup: Risser (GK), Ganiou, Baidoo, Sarr, Aguilar, Sangare, Ojediran, Udol, Thauvin, Said & Edouard
Last five matches:
- Angers 1-2 Lens (Ligue 1)
- Lens 1-0 Strasbourg (Ligue 1)
- Monaco 1-4 Lens (Ligue 1)
- Lens 3-0 Lorient (Ligue 1)
- Metz 2-0 Lens (Ligue 1)
Player to watch: Florian Thauvin
Thauvin has been one of Lens’ standout players this campaign, most recently netting a matchwinning brace against Angers last Sunday. The Frenchman has four goals and two assists to his name this league term, and Nantes are one of his favourite opponents – (G6, A2) in 11 top-flight meetings across his professional career.