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

Troyes will aim to remain outside of the relegation zone when they travel to face Nantes at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors currently sit 17th in the table, clinging onto a spot outside the drop zone via goal difference, while their hosts are comfortably in mid-table.

Match preview

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Nantes have been somewhat all or nothing so far this season, with just one draw in their first eight Ligue 1 matches, which came against Monaco in the season-opener.

A run of three consecutive losses either side of the first international break was halted with back-to-back victories - a comfortable 3-1 win at home to Brest would have been fairly expected, but the 4-1 away triumph against an in-form Angers side was particularly impressive.

They returned to losing ways last weekend, however, when they travelled to the Stade Auguste-Delaune to face fellow mid-table side Reims.

Thomas Foket headed Les Rouges et Blancs in front six minutes into the second half, only for Moses Simon to equalise for Nantes with a fine individual effort ten minutes later. It would prove to be a consolation, though, as substitute Hugo Ekitike's late brace sealed the points for the home side.

Antoine Kombouare will hope his side can regain their former momentum this weekend against a newly-promoted side struggling to adapt to life in the top division.

Troyes won Ligue 2 last term but their first appearance in Ligue 1 since the 2017-18 season has seen them win just one of their opening eight games.

After claiming a single point from their first four games, Laurent Batlles's side have perhaps started to find their feet with a win and two draws in their last four.

They followed up a 3-1 loss away to Lyon, with a draw against Angers last time out - a point against a side who went into the game third in the table is a solid result, but it was a mixed day for ESTAC nonetheless.

Mama Balde ran through to put them ahead midway through the first half, but a penalty allowed the visitors to equalise and there was late frustration as Oualid El Hajjam had a winner disallowed and captain Jimmy Giraudon was sent off in stoppage time.

Batlles will have to hope that the absence of his on-field leader will not have too great an effect on his team in what will be a challenging match.

Team News

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Fabio Da Silva and Anthony Limbombe both remain doubts for Nantes after missing out against Reims, while Willem Geubbels is fit again, although more likely to feature from the bench this weekend.

Sebastien Corchia should retain his spot at right-back in a 4-2-3-1 setup but is being challenged for his place by Dennis Appiah.

Troyes will be without Giulian Biancone and Giraudon through suspension, with the fit-again Yoann Salmier likely to replace the missing captain in the backline.

Renaud Ripart is fighting for a place in the attacking end of a 5-4-1 formation, but it looks set to be Yoann Touzghar who leads the line once again.

Nantes possible starting lineup:
Lafont; Corchia, Castelletto, Pallois, Traore; Cyprien, Chirivella; Blas, Kolo Muani, Simon; Coulibaly

Troyes possible starting lineup:
Gallon; Kone, El Hajjam, Salmier, Azamoum, Kabore; Rodrigues, Chavalerin, Kouame, Balde; Touzghar

We say: Nantes 2-0 Troyes

Neither side has been consistently impressive this season but Nantes should have the edge, especially considering their home advantage and the significant defensive absences for Troyes.