Nantes vs Montpellier

Nantes' Fight to Avoid the Relegation Playoff Nantes, sitting 15th in Ligue 1 with 33 points (W7, D12, L14), face a critical final matchday to secure their top-flight status. Just two points clear of 16th-placed Le Havre (31 points), a defeat against Montpellier could see them slip into the relegation playoff spot if Le Havre win their match. Nantes have been winless in their last five games (D3, L2), with their last victory a 2-1 upset against Nice on April 4. Their recent 1-1 draw at Auxerre showed resilience, but a 1-0 home loss to Angers on April 5 highlighted their struggles at Stade de la Beaujoire, where they’ve lost six times this season.

Under Antoine Kombouaré, Nantes have drawn three of their last four matches, indicating a knack for grinding out points. A draw or win against Montpellier will guarantee safety, as they cannot be automatically relegated. However, their inconsistent home form and Le Havre’s recent 2-1 win over Strasbourg make this a nervy finale. Nantes have a psychological edge, having beaten Montpellier 3-1 in the reverse fixture in August 2024, and they’ll aim to complete a league double.

Montpellier’s Dismal Farewell to Ligue 1 Montpellier, already relegated to Ligue 2, are rooted to the bottom of Ligue 1 with 16 points (W4, D4, L25). Their 16-year top-flight run ended in April, and the 2011-12 champions have endured a torrid campaign. With 76 goals conceded—the worst defensive record in the league—and 13 losses in their last 14 matches, including a 4-1 thrashing by PSG last time out, they’re limping to the finish line. Their away form is abysmal, with 15 losses in 16 road games and only three wins all season.

Zoumana Camara’s side haven’t won since January, and their lack of motivation, combined with a porous defense, makes them vulnerable. However, with nothing to lose, they could play with freedom, potentially catching Nantes off guard if the hosts are gripped by nerves.

Key Stats and Context

• Nantes: 15th, 33 points (W7, D12, L14, GF 36, GA 52, GD -16). Form: D-L-D-D-L.
• Montpellier: 18th, 16 points (W4, D4, L25, GF 23, GA 76, GD -53). Form: L-L-D-L-L.
• Nantes’ home record: W4, D6, L6. Montpellier’s away record: W0, D1, L15.
• Nantes’ 3-1 win in the reverse fixture gives them confidence, but Montpellier’s desperation to end on a high could spark a reaction.
• Ligue 1 standings show Nantes two points above Le Havre, who face Marseille away—a tough fixture but not impossible for an upset.

Prediction Nantes, despite their winless run, have shown enough grit in recent draws to suggest they can avoid defeat here. Montpellier’s woeful away form and defensive frailties make them unlikely to spoil Nantes’ survival bid. Expect a tense but controlled performance from La Maison Jaune, likely securing a narrow victory or draw to stay in Ligue 1.

Scoreline Prediction: Nantes 2-1 Montpellier

Nantes will lean on their home crowd and Kombouaré’s pragmatic approach to grind out a result, while Montpellier’s lack of cohesion and morale should see them exit Ligue 1 with another defeat.