Lyon Vs Nantes

Lyon is aiming to extend their winning streak to four consecutive matches across all competitions when they face an out-of-form Nantes side at Groupama Stadium on Sunday. While Lyon comes into this Ligue 1 contest with confidence after a resounding Europa League victory, Nantes has had a full week to prepare for this challenging trip to Décines-Charpieu, hoping to reverse their recent dip in form.

Under head coach Pierre Sage, Lyon has endured a turbulent start to their domestic Ligue 1 campaign, but their European journey has been exceptional. In the Europa League, Lyon has emerged as a serious contender for glory, securing back-to-back victories against formidable opponents. The first of these triumphs came against Olympiacos, a Greek powerhouse, followed by a dominant performance at Ibrox Stadium against Scottish giants Rangers.

In that match, two players stood out: Alexandre Lacazette, the former Arsenal striker, and Malick Fofana, an exciting young prospect. Both players netted twice, leading Lyon to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over the Gers. This emphatic win positions Lyon second in the 36-team Europa League standings, a competition that could offer them a route to silverware this season.

Domestically, Lyon has faced more challenges. After a worrying start to the Ligue 1 season, which saw them secure just one win in their first five competitive matches, the team now appears to have found its rhythm. Their upcoming match against Nantes offers an opportunity to claim a fourth consecutive win, potentially boosting their Ligue 1 standing, where they currently sit behind Nantes by four positions.

One of Lyon’s key moments in recent weeks was their dramatic victory over Toulouse. In their most recent Ligue 1 match on September 29, a last-minute strike from Belgian Under-21 international Malick Fofana secured all three points for Les Gones. This hard-fought 2-1 victory demonstrated Lyon's ability to recover from adversity and capitalize on crucial moments in the match. It was also a testament to the team's growing resilience and determination to climb the Ligue 1 ladder.

Lyon's ambitions for the season extend beyond just domestic recovery. They are aiming to compete for a Champions League spot alongside the likes of Marseille and Monaco. To strengthen their chances, Lyon was active in the summer transfer window, reinforcing their attacking options significantly. Two major signings stood out: Wilfried Zaha from Galatasaray and Georges Mikautadze from Metz. These additions have injected fresh energy into Lyon’s offensive setup, providing more firepower and creativity as they push for a top-three finish in Ligue 1.

In contrast to Lyon’s recent surge, Nantes has seen their form take a downturn after a promising start to the 2024-25 season. Nantes began their campaign on a positive note, collecting seven points from their first three matches. However, as the October international break approaches, Les Canaris have faltered. They have managed just two points from their last three Ligue 1 fixtures, struggling to find consistency as their early momentum has slowed.

Their most recent outings have been particularly frustrating. On September 22, Nantes were held to a 1-1 draw by Angers, a team languishing near the bottom of the table. A week later, Nantes hosted Saint-Étienne at Stade de la Beaujoire, where they were involved in a thrilling but ultimately disappointing 2-2 draw with the division’s bottom-placed side. This inability to secure three points against teams battling relegation has raised concerns about Nantes' ability to maintain their position near the top of the Ligue 1 standings.

One bright spot for Nantes has been the performance of Sorba Thomas. The Wales international, who joined the club on loan from Huddersfield Town over the summer, scored his first goal for Nantes in the draw against Saint-Étienne. Known for his excellent deliveries from the wings, Thomas could play a key role in turning around Nantes' fortunes if he continues to find his form.

Despite a winless September, Nantes remains in seventh place in the Ligue 1 standings, just two points behind Reims, who currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot. However, they are also only five points clear of Montpellier, who sit precariously in 16th place, flirting with the relegation zone. With the international break on the horizon, Nantes will be keen to return to winning ways and consolidate their position in the upper half of the table.

Historically, Lyon has dominated their encounters with Nantes. In their last 10 competitive meetings across Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, Nantes has only managed to secure one victory. That win came back in September 2019 when a Fernando Marçal own goal handed Nantes a narrow 1-0 victory at Groupama Stadium. Since then, Lyon has largely had the upper hand in this fixture, consistently outperforming their rivals.

When these two sides meet on Sunday, Lyon will look to continue their strong run of form at home. Groupama Stadium has become a fortress for Les Gones, and with the team’s recent upturn in results, they will be confident of securing another three points. Nantes, on the other hand, will need to shake off their recent struggles and find a way to break their winless streak if they hope to upset Lyon and climb further up the Ligue 1 table.

From a tactical perspective, Lyon’s recent success has been built on a solid defensive foundation, complemented by quick transitions and clinical finishing in front of goal. Pierre Sage has instilled a sense of discipline in his side, with their Europa League performances showcasing a team that can defend well and strike decisively when opportunities arise.

The addition of Wilfried Zaha has given Lyon a dynamic option on the wings, with his pace and dribbling ability creating numerous chances for his teammates. Zaha’s experience and flair have already made an impact in both domestic and European competitions, and he is expected to play a crucial role in Lyon’s bid for success this season.

Georges Mikautadze, Lyon’s other significant summer signing, has also impressed since his arrival from Metz. The 23-year-old Georgian international has added a new dimension to Lyon’s attacking play with his movement and creativity in the final third. Together with Lacazette, Fofana, and Zaha, Mikautadze has formed a potent attacking quartet that can trouble any defense in Ligue 1.

For Nantes, Sorba Thomas will be one of the key players to watch. His ability to deliver accurate crosses and set pieces could prove vital if Nantes are to exploit any weaknesses in Lyon’s defense. In addition, Nantes will rely on their experienced defensive duo of Jean-Charles Castelletto and Andrei Girotto to contain Lyon’s formidable attack.

Given Lyon’s recent run of form and their dominance in this fixture, they are expected to come out on top once again. The confidence gained from their Europa League victories, combined with the momentum from their last-minute win against Toulouse, makes them favorites to secure a fourth consecutive victory on Sunday.

Nantes, however, will not go down without a fight. Despite their recent struggles, they have shown flashes of quality this season, and a well-organized defensive performance, coupled with effective counter-attacks, could give them a chance to spring a surprise.

In conclusion, Lyon's pursuit of a Champions League spot and their Europa League campaign make them the more likely victors in this matchup. However, Nantes will be eager to end their winless run and pull off an upset at Groupama Stadium, where anything can happen in Ligue 1’s unpredictable landscape.