Nantes vs. Montpellier Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 17 May 2025

As Ligue 1 wraps up its final round, Nantes host Montpellier at Stade de la Beaujoire in a match crucial for their survival hopes. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00, and Clement Turpin will oversee the game.

Nantes are currently 15th with 33 points, desperately needing a win to steer clear of relegation. Meanwhile, Montpellier have already been relegated, sitting rock-bottom with just 16 points.

Nantes, managed by Antoine Kombouaré, are the bookmakers’ favourites and for good reason. They’ve managed to register a win in their previous encounter against Montpellier this season, triumphing 3-1. Although their recent form is shaky (DLDDL), playing at home gives them an edge, especially against a struggling Montpellier side.

Montpellier, coached by Zoumana Camara, have lost five of their last six games (LLDLL) and are missing key players due to injuries and suspensions.

Given Nantes’ better position and motivation to avoid relegation, the recommended bet is for Nantes to win with a handicap of -1.50. A victory here would significantly boost their survival hopes in Ligue 1.

Nantes vs Montpellier Prediction & Betting Tip

With the odds in favor of Nantes, our recommended betting tip for this match is Nantes to win with a Handicap of -1.50. Given Nantes’ motivation to avoid relegation and Montpellier’s poor form and depleted squad, this bet provides good value.

• Nantes have already bested Montpellier 3-1 this season, showcasing their superior quality.
• With Montpellier conceding an average of 2.2 goals per game, it’s likely Nantes will find the net multiple times.
• Playing at home and needing crucial points for survival, Nantes have an extra edge in this fixture.

Nantes vs Montpellier Odds

With odds heavily favoring Nantes at 1.51, they are considered the favorites to win. Montpellier, already relegated, has struggled all season, reflected in their higher odds of 5.96 for a win. A draw is also seen as an unlikely outcome at 4.32.

These odds showcase bookmakers’ confidence in Nantes, especially given their crucial need for points to avoid relegation.

Nantes Team Analysis

Nantes Recent Performance

Nantes have struggled to find form in recent matches, managing only three draws and two losses in their last five encounters. Their recent form reads DLDDL. They average 0.60 goals scored per match in the last five games and kept just one clean sheet. Despite this, Nantes have shown resilience, scoring in 75% of their home matches this season. Their current position in the league makes every point crucial as they aim to avoid relegation.

Nantes Key Players

Key players for Nantes in this crucial relegation battle include their top scorer Matthis Abline, who has netted 8 goals this season. Abline will be a central figure in their attacking efforts against Montpellier’s defence. Midfielder Pedro Chirivella, known for his stability in the middle of the park, will be crucial in maintaining possession and distributing the ball effectively. Francis Coquelin will also be vital in providing defensive cover and breaking up opposition play.

Expected lineup for Nantes:

• Goalkeeper: Anthony Lopes
• Defenders: Kelvin Amian, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Nathan Zeze, Nicolas Cozza
• Midfielders: Francis Coquelin, Pedro Chirivella, Douglas Augusto
• Attackers: Sorba Thomas, Matthis Abline, Moses Simon

Key individual battles to watch include Matthis Abline against Montpellier’s central defender Yael Mouanga, as well as the midfield tussle between Pedro Chirivella and Jordan Ferri.

Nantes Suspensions & Injuries

Nantes will be without a few key players due to injuries, which is crucial in their battle against relegation.

Injuries

These absences, particularly that of Saidou Sow, who has been vital in defense, present significant challenges. Antoine Kombouaré will need to adjust his lineup to compensate, potentially putting more pressure on the fit defenders and midfielders.

There are no suspensions for Nantes, which should allow them to field their strongest available squad.

Nantes Tactics and Formation

Nantes Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Matthis Abline
• Midfield Trio: Douglas Augusto, Pedro Chirivella, Francis Coquelin
• Defensive Setup: Combining experience with young talent, featuring Jean-Charles Castelletto and Nathan Zeze in central defence.
• Offensive Strategy: Strong attack in the final 15 minutes of each half, having scored most goals between the 31-45 and 76-90-minute intervals.
• Defensive Record: Aiming to tighten up the defence, as they’ve conceded an average of 1.5 goals per match this season.

Expect Nantes to utilise a balanced approach, leveraging wide play from Sorba Thomas and Moses Simon to stretch Montpellier’s defence and create opportunities for their forwards.

Montpellier Team Analysis

Montpellier Recent Performance:

Montpellier have had a challenging spell recently, reflected in their last five outings. They’ve managed just one draw amidst four defeats, highlighting a tough run.

Their recent form shows fragility in both defense and attack. They’ve only averaged 0.40 goals per game and managed just one clean sheet in their last five matches. It’s clear that Montpellier are struggling at both ends of the pitch.

Montpellier Key Players

Montpellier’s top scorer Arnaud Nordin, with 4 goals this season, is crucial to their attack. In a tough campaign, he remains a shining light, aiming to exploit any vulnerabilities in Nantes’ defence. One of the exciting battles to watch will be between Nordin and Nantes’ centre-back Jean-Charles Castelletto. This duel could significantly influence the outcome of the game.

Expected lineup for Montpellier:

• Goalkeeper: Benjamin Lecomte
• Defenders: Becir Omeragic, Yael Mouanga, Lucas Mincarelli
• Midfielders: Enzo Tchato, Jordan Ferri, Joris Chotard, Teji Savanier, Theo Sainte-Luce
• Forwards: Wahbi Khazri, Tanguy Coulibaly

Their defence will need to be sharp, with Omeragic and Mouanga tasked with containing Nantes’ top scorer Matthis Abline.

Montpellier Suspensions & Injuries

Montpellier faces significant challenges with multiple player absences. The suspensions of key midfielders Rabby Nzingoula and Khalil Fayad, combined with a slew of injuries like Christopher Jullien’s and Nikola Maksimovic’s season-ending issues, will test the team’s depth. Missing these players places additional pressure on the remaining squad members, particularly in the defensive and midfield areas, which could leave the team vulnerable, especially given their recent form.

Montpellier Tactics and Formation

Montpellier’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forward: Tanguy Coulibaly
• Midfield Trio: Jordan Ferri, Joris Chotard, Teji Savanier
• Defensive Setup: A back five featuring Becir Omeragic, Yael Mouanga, and Lucas Mincarelli
• Notable Strategy: Given their recent defensive struggles—conceding 2.2 goals on average this season—Montpellier will likely adopt a cautious approach against Nantes. Missing key players due to suspensions and injuries, they may struggle to maintain their usual press and rely more on long balls and counter-attacks. The midfield will be crucial in retaining possession and breaking up Nantes’ play.

Nantes vs Montpellier Head-to-Head Statistics

Nantes have held a dominant position in recent encounters against Montpellier.
In their last five meetings, Nantes have secured three wins, one draw, and suffered one loss.
This favourable record, combined with their strong home record this season, bodes well for their confidence heading into this match.

Odds accurate as of 15th May 2025, 20:01, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.