Nantes vs Reims

In their second Ligue 1 match of the season on August 25, Nantes managed a 2-0 victory over Auxerre despite holding just 35% of the possession. Though they have the lowest average possession among the 18 Ligue 1 teams, their counter-attacking approach has been effective, as they’ve allowed the joint fewest goals per match so far.

Under manager Antoine Kombouare, Nantes finished the 2023-24 season poorly, with three losses and two draws in their last five games. However, they’ve bounced back this season, remaining unbeaten in their last three competitive matches, despite losing their final 10 home games last season.

Reims, on the other hand, enter the match following a win against Rennes, where they controlled 53% of the possession and created four big chances—four times more than Rennes. In their previous Ligue 1 game, Reims drew 2-2 with Marseille on August 25, defending well but allowing six big chances while only generating one.

Manager Luka Elsner, who has been at the helm for just three games, may be concerned about Reims’ defensive issues, as they’ve conceded the fourth-highest expected goals (xG) in the league and have produced the lowest xG of any team. However, Reims have been solid overall in recent Ligue 1 matches, winning three, drawing one, and losing just one of their last five.

Their away form is less promising, with Reims failing to win in their last six away fixtures, including two losses and four draws. They’ve secured only two wins in their last 12 league games on the road.

But Luka Elser's team overcame the setback and won their third game of the season. For the second time in five seasons, Reims' victory was their first in Ligue 1 within the first four games. Despite finishing eighth the previous season, they want to improve early on in this one after a mixed bag of outcomes thus far.

In their previous 22 away Ligue 1 games, Reims has only managed one clean sheet, demonstrating their poor defensive play. They lost their first two games 0-1 and have now lost their first three games with five goals surrendered and four goals scored. Moving forward, they'll try to strengthen their defense and keep their form steady.

But Luka Elser's team overcame the setback and won their third game of the season. For the second time in five seasons, Reims' victory was their first in Ligue 1 within the first four games. Despite finishing eighth the previous season, they want to improve early on in this one after a mixed bag of outcomes thus far.

In their previous 22 away Ligue 1 games, Reims has only managed one clean sheet, demonstrating their poor defensive play. They lost their first two games 0-1 and have now lost their first three games with five goals surrendered and four goals scored. Moving forward, they'll try to strengthen their defense and keep their form steady.