Lyon square off against Nantes on Wednesday evening looking for a victory which will keep the club in close proximity to the top seven in the Ligue 1 standings.

Meanwhile, Nantes head into this fixture at the Beaujoire Stadium keen to extend a three-match unbeaten streak which has created some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

Match preview

When Lyon returned from the World Cup break with a thrilling 4-2 victory at Brest, Laurent Blanc would have hoped that the result was a step in the right direction.

However, the 1-0 defeat at home to Clermont which followed highlighted the issues which remain for the former France boss, who has his work cut out to earn Lyon a spot in Europe for 2023-24.

Les Gones are already seven points adrift of the top six, placing considerable onus on a period of consistent form needing to be delivered in the short and long term.

Although Lyon have prevailed in two of their last three fixtures on their travels, they represent their only victories on the road in France's top flight this campaign.

On a positive note, Lyon made progress in the Coupe de France on Saturday, edging past Metz by a 2-1 scoreline with a late own goal securing their place in the next round.

Their next opponents also enjoyed success in that competition as they posted a routine 2-0 victory at fifth-tier AF Virois.

Nantes have now put together a four-match unbeaten streak in all competitions and have suffered just one defeat in their last 10 games in all competitions.

Antoine Kombouare can be delighted with his side's resurgence either side of the break, particularly in the league where they have moved out of trouble for the time being.

Holding a four-point lead over 17th-placed Brest, Nantes can play with extra freedom in this match, and they will move to within four points of their opponents, who occupy eighth position, with a fourth home win of the campaign.

Nantes have only suffered one loss in eight home fixtures this season, that setback coming versus leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Team News

With Nicolas Pallois having to be withdrawn during the first half of their cup tie at the weekend, Kombouare appears likely to be forced into at least one change to his Nantes XI.

Andrei Girotto is expected to drop back into the middle of the defence, allowing for Moussa Sissoko to return in the centre of the pitch.

With Samuel Moutoussamy suspended due to five yellow cards, Lohann Doucet may be provided with a first league start of 2022-23 after playing 90 minutes in the Coupe de France.

Croatia international Dejan Lovren may come into contention for a debut for Lyon after arriving at the club late last week.

Nicolas Tagliafico should return at left-back, while Alexandre Lacazette and Moussa Dembele are competing for a spot down the middle of the attack.

Playmaker Houssem Aouar has been ruled out for a number of weeks with a thigh injury.

Nantes possible starting lineup:
Lafont; Centonze, Castelletto, Girotto, Traore; Guessand, Moutoussamy, Girotto, Simon; Ganago, Blas

Lyon possible starting lineup:
Lopes; Kumbedi, Diomande, Lukeba, Tagliafico; Mendes, Caqueret; Tete, Cherki, Ekambi; Lacazette

We say: Nantes 1-2 Lyon

Despite the difference in league positions, this feels like an evenly-matched encounter given Lyon's continued inconsistency. Nevertheless, we still feel that the visitors will do enough to come through this contest by the odd goal in three.

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