Preview: Strasbourg vs. Nantes - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts have not won a single game so far this season, sitting just above the relegation zone, and a loss on Wednesday night could see them sink into that.

Match preview

Strasbourg have had a difficult start to their campaign after the opening four matches of the season as they have failed to pick up three points yet.

Despite that they have been able to draw two of those games, showcasing the qualities that they do have as a squad, but that did not take place in their most recent outing.

Julien Stephan's men were beaten 1-0 by Auxerre at the weekend when Gaetan Perrin's goal proved to be enough to separate the two of them.

Strasbourg have scored just three goals so far, which has been a big issue for them in the matches that they have played, which is a focal point for them.

Right now it is just goal difference keeping the club out of the relegation zone, adding further pressure onto this particular fixture.

The visitors have not struggled quite as much in their respective games, as they have only lost once to this point against Marseille.

Nantes started the season with consecutive draws, and at the weekend they were able to secure their first victory of the season, which will have brought plenty of confidence to the group.

Despite the fact that Toulouse were able to take the lead in the 15th minute of the game, Antoine Kombouare's men responded perfectly with a trio of goals to win 3-1.

Evann Guessand, Moses Simon and Mostafa Mohamed all got themselves on the scoresheet in that fixture, showcasing their attacking qualities across the squad.

A victory on Wednesday could take Nantes to fourth if other results end up going in their favour, showcasing the closeness in the table right now.

Strasbourg Ligue 1 form:

Strasbourg form (all competitions):

Nantes Ligue 1 form:

Nantes form (all competitions):

Team News

Lebo Mothiba was able to return to Strasbourg's match-day squad at the weekend following his bout with illness, and even though he did not feature in the game, he will be an option once again.

However, the hosts are missing Nordine Kandil due to a muscular issue, while Eiji Kawashima has a shoulder injury.

Moussa Sissoko has not been an option for Nantes in their previous three games because of a hamstring issue, and that is something that could end up continuing.

Mohamed made an impact from the bench for a second time in a row at the weekend, and he could be used in that manner once more.

Strasbourg possible starting lineup:

Sels; Perrin, Djiku, Le Marchand; Delaine, Prcic, Bellegarde, Thomasson, Lienard; Diallo, Gameiro

Nantes possible starting lineup:

Lafont; Castelletto, Girotto, Pallois; Fabio, Blas, Moutoussamy, Chirivella, Merlin; Mohamed, Simon

We say: Strasbourg 1-3 Nantes

Nantes have been impressive in the early moments of this season, and their attacking qualities so far is something that should lead to them being the favourites in this game.

Strasbourg have had the opposite start to their campaign, and the issues that they have displayed particularly in scoring goals is likely going to be decisive in this match.

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