Clermont vs Nantes Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
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When is Clermont vs Nantes on and what time does it start? Clermont vs Nantes will take place on Sunday 17th September, 2023 – 14:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Clermont vs Nantes? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Clermont vs Nantes on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Ligue 1 matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Clermont vs Nantes
Where can I stream Clermont vs Nantes in the UK? If Clermont vs Nantes is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
CLERMONT
Since their promotion back to the French top-flight a few seasons, Clermont have been tipped up to be favourites to go down during each campaign. However, under the management of Pascal Gastien, they have consistently overperformed and even achieved a top-half finish last season. This time around, though, they really are expected to struggle against the drop.
That has been the way so far this season with Clermont collecting just one point in their opening four matches so far this season and beginning this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting in the relegation playoff places. They began with a 4-2 defeat to Monaco and have since suffered losses to both newly-promoted Metz as well as Stade Reims, whilst sharing a 2-2 draw with Toulouse.
NANTES
Nantes won the Coupe de France in 2022 and, as a consequence, qualified for the UEFA Europa League, in which they were beaten by Juventus in the knockout stages. However, despite reaching the Coupe de France final once again in 2023, they struggled for consistency and actually had a dog fight to avoid finishing in the bottom four and being relegated to Ligue 2.
Under Pierre Aristouy, Nantes have once again started the season slowly and begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting just above the bottom three and the danger zone. They have collected just two points from their opening four games with defeats to Toulouse and Lille as well as actually impressive, or at least respectable, draws with Monaco and Marseille.
THE TEAM NEWS
CLERMONT
Summer signing Maximiliano Caufriez remains the only injury or suspension concern for Pascal Gastien and he could well name an unchanged side.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Diaw; Seidu, Ogier, Pelmard; Zeffane, Gonalons, Gastien, Neto Borges; Cham, Boutobba; Kyei
UNAVAILABLE: Caufriez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
NANTES
The key injury and concern for Nantes remains goalkeeper Alban Lafont, who has been out injured since the opening day of the season when he had to be substituted.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Descamps; Castelletto, Cumart, Pallois; Pierre-Gabriel, Chirivella, Augusto, Merlin; Adson, Simon; Mohamed
UNAVAILABLE: Meupiyou (Suspended), Centonze (Injured), Zeze (Injured), Lafont (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
It is far too early to suggest this is already a relegation six pointer but based on general expectations, it isn’t too outlandish of a statement. Clermont have found themselves regularly tipped up to struggle since their return to Ligue 1 and their poor start to this season means the pressure is mounting. Nantes are one of the bigger clubs in French football but have underperformed consistently in the league and are also expected to struggle. This could well be a bit of a thriller as both sides sense a rare opportunity to take all three points.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
