Nantes vs Stade Reims Prediction: Nantes will dominate this fixture

Two teams of contrasting form and ambition meet in the Ligue 1 fixture between Nantes and Reims, scheduled for 15th September 2024. While Nantes have been flying high, resilient, and consistent enough to sit third in the league, their visitors have been inconsistent at 10th but remain a hard nut to crack. Both teams will look to keep this momentum, as both of these teams want to climb the table in the early stages of the season. Historically, Reims have dominated this fixture, but with the current form, Nantes might look to reverse that trend.

Nantes come into this game with an unbeaten run in seven matches, with great balance between their defensive structure and attacking efficiency. They secured a 3-1 away win against Montpellier in their last outing, further indicating their clinical nature in front of goal despite having only 31% possession. Nantes have been a team that tends to make the most of their chances, spearheaded by standout performers like Matthis Abline and Mostafa Mohammed leading the attack.

The team of Nantes has thrived under the new manager this season, embracing a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 shape. This is the main strength that lies in a pretty efficient way of defense, winning duels, and scoring first in games. Their style of play is highly reliant on soaking up pressure and striking on the counter. Even though their possession stats have been pretty low this season-31% in their last game, for example-Nantes know how to turn limited chances into goals, hence the unbeaten run.

Nantes uses the two holding midfielders to protect the backline, while their two wingers, Moses Simon and Matthis Abline, are important in the transitional moments to get back to front. It would appear that another trend within their gameplay is scoring first, as evidenced in 8 of their last 9 matches. This is not a team that bosses games with domination in possession or intricate passing; they are more functional by the nature of efficiency and directness in front of the goal.

This would likely see Nantes sit back and hit on the counter, especially knowing that Reims would push to have possession. Expect Nantes to absorb pressure, rely on physicality in duels, and the ability to win tackles-71% success rate last match. The front trio of Abline, Simon, and Mohammed will be critical in exploiting whatever defensive lapses Reims would present.

On the other hand, Reims have been performing inconsistently, managing no more than one win, one draw, and one defeat in the opening three matches. All the same, the recent 2-1 home success against Rennes helped boost morale. Junya Ito and Oumar Diakite were the influential players behind that win, while the front line, bolstered with a possession-based approach-53% against Rennes-will prove dangerous. However, they have failed to maintain consistency regarding defensive solidity because they have conceded in 4 out of the last 5 matches.

Reims have relied more on a possession-based approach. Their 4-3-3 formation is thus ideal in controlling the middle of the park. However, they've lacked cutting edge in front of goal at times, as evidenced by the recent uneven form. While historically they have had a good back four, keeping clean sheets in 4 of the last 6 against Nantes, they have indeed been leaky in recent weeks.

Junya Ito will be the key to a lot of their team's attacks as he is the central playmaker, while Oumar Diakite chips in with goals and assists. Attacking wide players could give Nantes problems in Reims' lineup, as sometimes this season they have been found wanting when wingers play 1v1 against their fullbacks. Still, their main tactical challenge will be breaking down a stubborn Nantes defense.

Reims will command the ball, trying to stretch Nantes wide, but the challenge then will be to break this low block, which is quite hard to break down. In the 4-3-3 system, Reims will be trying to find a way to give the ball to Junya Ito; his creativity, along with the mobility and pace of Oumar Diakite, might just exploit the little chinks in the armor.

The head-to-head record between Nantes and Reims appears to be in favor of the former; Reims have won 10 of their last 20 encounters, while Nantes come up with just 4 victories and 6 draws in that period. This record shows that Reims has generally been the stronger side over recent years.

This might give them a psychological edge, considering that Reims are unbeaten in the last four meetings against Nantes. Nantes have found it hard to break down Reims' defense as they have failed to score in the last four meetings between them. This is likely to be a low-score game as most of the games involving these teams have usually ended with under 2.5 goals. Most of the plays by the two teams are usually conservative, translating to limited set-piece opportunities, particularly corners.

Given the tactical setup of both teams, this could be a tight affair. The home advantage and defensive organization of Nantes will make life hard to break through for Reims. In the same breath, if Nantes does go ahead-as they have done in 8 of their last 9 games-a lack of defensive stability might prove to be costly for Reims.

Nantes bring the best form and approach to the match, and a home win is highly probable for the case of Reims' inconsistency and Nantes' good home performance.

Both teams have shown vulnerabilities defensively, and Reims, despite their possession game, tend to concede. Nantes have been prolific, and Reims are likely to score too, with the attacking players in a good vein of form.

Historically, this has been a tight fixture with 5 of the last 6 meetings ending under 2.5 goals; Nantes is normally solid at the back, with Reims problems against good defenses limiting them to very few chances.

• Home Win/Draw & Under 4.5 Goals @ 1.6 Odds
• Both Teams to Score @ 1.72 Odds
• Correct Score 2-1 @ 9.50 Odds