The 19th round of Ligue 1 brings a crucial battle in the fight for survival as FC Nantes host OGC Nice at the Stade de la Beaujoire this Sunday afternoon. Both sides are struggling near the bottom of the table, separated by just one point, and a victory could prove vital in their quest to stay in the top flight. Nantes currently sit 16th, while Nice are just above them in 15th place. With both teams desperate for a turnaround, this fixture promises intensity, tension, and potentially plenty of goals.

FC Nantes: Searching for Stability

FC Nantes have endured a difficult campaign so far, with only three wins, five draws, and ten defeats in Ligue 1. Their average of 0.9 goals scored and 1.7 conceded per game highlights the inconsistency that has plagued their season. Despite a recent 1-2 loss to Paris, the Canaries have shown flashes of improvement, winning two of their last five matches and averaging two goals per game during that stretch. However, defensive lapses continue to cost them valuable points.

At home, Nantes have been involved in entertaining encounters, with Over 1.5 goals scored in each of their last 13 matches and goals in the second half in 18 of their last 20 home games. These numbers suggest that the Beaujoire crowd rarely witnesses dull affairs. The team’s resilience was evident in their Coupe de France clash against Nice, where they only bowed out after a penalty shootout. Key players such as Rémy Cabella and Matthis Abline have been instrumental in attack, while new signing Ibrahima Sissoko is expected to bring more balance to the midfield.

Injuries remain a concern for Ahmed Kantari’s side, with Deiver Machado ruled out and both Fabien Centonze and Louis Leroux doubtful. Nevertheless, the emergence of young defender Tylel Tati has been one of the few bright spots in a challenging season. Nantes will need to rely on their home advantage and attacking momentum to close the gap on their rivals.

OGC Nice: Desperate to End the Slide

OGC Nice have also been struggling to find form in Ligue 1. With five wins, three draws, and ten defeats, their record mirrors that of their hosts. The Aiglons have averaged 1.2 goals scored and 1.9 conceded per match, underlining their defensive fragility. They have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 14 league matches and in 19 consecutive away fixtures, a worrying trend that has left them vulnerable on the road.

Despite their domestic woes, Nice recently enjoyed a morale-boosting 3-1 victory over Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League, a result that could inject some much-needed confidence. However, their Ligue 1 form remains alarming, with only one point collected from their last eight league outings. Their last trip ended in a heavy 5-1 defeat at Toulouse, exposing defensive gaps that coach Claude Puel must urgently address.

In attack, the arrival of Elye Wahi has been a positive development. The forward has already scored twice since joining in January and could be key to reigniting Nice’s offensive spark. The team’s injury list remains long, with Mohamed Abdelmonem, Moïse Bombito, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Jérémie Boga, and Terem Moffi all sidelined. Melvin Bard, Hicham Boudaoui, and Sofiane Diop are doubtful, while Tanguy Ndombele’s recent run of games offers some stability in midfield.

Nice’s away record is concerning, having lost at half time in their last three away Ligue 1 matches and failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their last fourteen. To secure a positive result, they will need to show greater discipline and capitalize on Nantes’ defensive vulnerabilities.

Analysis and Key Stats

Both teams come into this clash under pressure and with similar weaknesses. Nantes have been involved in high-scoring games, while Nice’s defensive issues have persisted throughout the season. The last head-to-head between these sides ended in a 1-1 draw earlier this month, and their recent meetings have been closely contested, with Nantes holding a slight edge (2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss).

• Over 1.5 goals have been scored in each of Nantes’ last 13 matches.


• Nice have conceded in all of their last 19 away games.


• Over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half in 19 of Nice’s last 20 Ligue 1 matches.


• Average goals per match: Nantes 0.9 scored / 1.7 conceded; Nice 1.2 scored / 1.9 conceded.


• Win probabilities — Nantes: 37%, Draw: 26%, Nice: 37%.

Given these trends, goals seem likely at both ends. Nantes’ home fixtures often produce action after the break, while Nice’s defensive frailties make them susceptible to conceding. Both sides will view this as a must-win encounter, which could lead to an open and attacking game.

FC Nantes vs OGC Nice Prediction

With both teams struggling defensively but capable of finding the net, this match has all the ingredients for a lively contest. Nantes will rely on their home support and attacking duo of Cabella and Abline, while Nice will hope Wahi continues his scoring form. The balance of probabilities suggests that both sides are likely to score, reflecting their recent patterns in front of goal.

FC Nantes vs OGC Nice prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 55% probability.