Happy New Year, football fans! In what promises to be a tantalizing Round 16 of Ligue 1 fixtures in 2024, the festivity-laden season gradually cools down with LOSC Lille hosting FC Nantes. Lille is sitting in the comfort of fourth place to further its push for European football, while Nantes is precariously hovering above the relegation zone, hopeful of taking momentum from the commanding cup win. Will Lille's perfect home form continue, or is this a chance for an upset by Nantes? Let's get into this mouthwatering encounter.
What’s your prediction for this match? Will Lille's strong home form continue, or can Nantes stage a surprise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Claim Your Welcome BonusLOSC Lille
Under Bruno Genesio, Lille have become a disciplined, possession-heavy side with a knack for clean sheets. The recent 1-0 win over Rouen in the Coupe de France was further evidence of their dominance, having had 72% possession and creating five big chances. At home, they have been unbeaten in the last five league matches at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, managing 3W and 2D.
Jonathan David is still their talisman in attack, while his pace and clinical finishing continue to faze defenses. Paulo Fonseca's midfield, spearheaded by the combative Benjamin André, enjoys controlling games.
Key facts
- Goals Scored: 25 (1.7 per game)
- Goals Conceded: 15 (1.0 per game)
- Clean Sheets: 6
- Corners/Game: 4.2
Nantes
Antoine Kombouaré's Nantes find themselves in 14th place, struggling for consistency and solidity at the back. The 4-0 win over JA Drancy in the Coupe de France was a morale-booster, but on the road, Nantes have struggled this season, managing only one win in their last five league outings.
Speedy and creative, Moses Simon will be instrumental in unlocking the Lille defense. Usually, goalkeeper Alban Lafont is very reliable, so he has to be in his best form to hold the visitors back.
Key Facts
- Goals Scored: 17 (1.1 per game)
- Goals Conceded: 24 (1.6 per game)
- Clean Sheets: 3
- Corners/Game: 4.9
Head to Head
- Wins: Lille 14, Nantes 1, Draws 5
- Lille are unbeaten in their last 18 meetings with Nantes, winning the last three encounters.
- Lille have scored first in 8 of their last 10 games against Nantes.
History of Head-to-Heads
Lille Latest Games
Nantes Latest Games
Expert Betting Tips
The game pits Lille's solidity in defense and possession-based style against Nantes' inconsistent form. Lille's home dominance-high-scoring 1.7 goals per game and keeping clean sheets in 40% of matches-and Nantes' shaky defense of 1.6 goals conceded on average strongly tilt the odds in Lille's favor. Given Lille opened the score in 80% of recent meetings, it is expected that the home side will be in charge right from the beginning.
- Lille to Win: Superior home form, recent dominance in head-to-heads, and Nantes’ poor away record make Lille strong favorites. (1xbet: 1.606 Odds)
- Lille to Score First: Lille’s attack has consistently struck first in 8 of their last 10 games against Nantes, leveraging their fast starts and possession dominance. (Betway: 1.45 Odds)
- Under 2.5 Goals: Seven of the last nine meetings have ended with under 2.5 goals. Lille’s controlled playing style and defensive strength suggest a low-scoring affair. (Bet365: 1.80)