Coming into their Round 18 Ligue 1 match on January 19, 2025, both Saint-Etienne and Nantes are desperate to bounce back from tough losses. Both teams are tied on points with identical 3-7-7 records, thus setting up a match that has all the ingredients of a closely contested encounter. Erik Horneland's Saint-Etienne are in dire need of solidifying their leaky defense, while Antoine Kombouaré's Nantes hope to break their three-game winless streak. Both sides are seeking crucial points that would help them avoid the relegation zone, and a cagey encounter is on the cards.
Claim Your Welcome BonusSaint Etienne
Saint-Etienne has had a troubled season so far, as the 15th-place position in the table suggests, and inconsistency in form. In their recent 2-1 loss to PSG, even a goal by Zuriko Davitashvili did not save them, highlighting defensive weaknesses after conceding six goals in their last two games. They have been slow starters this season, losing the first half in five of their last six matches. However, they have been resilient at home with three wins in the last five matches here at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Horneland's side thrive on gritty performances, yet need to tighten up the defense so as not to slip further into danger.
Nantes
Les Nantais are not better off than their opponents in that regard, as they also stand at the same points tally and also struggle to find good form. Antoine Kombouaré's side has not won a game in three matches. Their last outing saw them lose 2-1 to Brest; Bahereba Guirassy scored in that game, but Nantes have been inconsistent in attack and shaky at the back, with a goal conceded in each of their last three matches. Away from home, Nantes have secured just one victory in five outings, but their ability to keep games tight - under 4.5 cards in 9 of the last 10 matches - may stand them in good stead in this encounter.
Head to Head
Historically, this has been evenly matched between the two, with Saint-Etienne having the slight edge: 7 wins to Nantes' 4, and 9 ended in draws. This season, it has all been Nantes as they go into this clash unbeaten against Saint-Etienne in six meetings. Either way, Nantes have taken the lead in six of the last seven clashes; often, these games see Nantes do enough to ensure a tight outcome with fewer bookings and corners.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Nantes
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Saint-Etienne
Ligue 1 2021/2022
Saint-Etienne
Ligue 1 2021/2022
Nantes
Ligue 1 2020/2021
Nantes
Saint-Etienne Latest Games
Saint-Etienne
FC Lyon
Brest
Saint-Etienne
PSG
Saint-Etienne
Nantes Latest Games
Nantes
PSG
Nantes
Nantes
Nantes
Lille
Expert Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score (GG) @ 1.83 Odds on Betway:
Not being that brilliant at the back, such recent trends when 4 out of their last five matches saw both sides score a goal make this wager solid. After all, Nantes have let in goals in their last three games as Saint-Etienne have also done so in 5 out of their last 6.
Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.178 Odds on 1xbet:
Five of Saint-Etienne's last six matches have featured more than 2.5 goals, while four of Nantes' last five have also gone over that total. Poor defending from both sides could see another high-scoring game.
Under 11 Corners @ 1.6 Odds on Bet365:
Both teams have shown consistency for corners by having fewer than 10.5 recently, so this could be a good banker in a match that might be fought in midfield: 5 of the last 6 for Saint-Etienne andNantes.
Other predictions
