Le Havre play host to Nantes on Sunday looking for the victory that will open up the Ligue 1 relegation battle.

At a time when the home side sit in 16th position in the table, the 13th-placed visitors are just six points further up the standings.

Match preview

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With nine defeats coming in their last 14 matches in Ligue 1, Didier Digard may have feared for his job in the Le Havre dugout.

However, putting a positive spin on matters, nine points have come from their most recent nine matches to keep Le Havre one point above the bottom two.

Despite losing 4-2 at an impressive Lyon outfit last time out, Le Havre will take confidence from leading their more illustrious opponents until the final 12 minutes of the game.

Four points had been accumulated from meetings with Lens and Saint-Etienne in the previous contests, and there is a feeling that the Sky-and-Navy are back on an upward trajectory.

That said, much of their good work has been done away from Stade Oceane. Le Havre have lost 10 of their 13 home games in Ligue 1 during 2024-25, scoring just nine times.

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There have been times earlier in the season when Nantes have looked destined to remain embroiled in a relegation scrap, yet only five defeats have come from their last 14 encounters.

Starting 2025 with a five-match unbeaten streak kept things ticking over, and three wins since the beginning of February have ensured that they sit seven points above the bottom two.

Although four defeats have come in their most recent six outings, surprise home victories over Lens and Lille could prove difference-makers come the end of the season.

Away from home, Antoine Kombouare's side have just two wins to their name, yet a further five draws mean that they hold the 14th-best away record in the division.

Team News

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Despite losing to Lyon before the international break, Digard may be prepared to select the same Le Havre XI providing that there are no fitness issues.

Andre Ayew may retain his place down the centre of the attack ahead of Koka, while Rassoul Ndiaye is an option if Digard wishes to bring a different look in the engine room.

Meanwhile, Nantes will have to make do without Jean-Charles Castelletto after the centre-back was sent off in the win over Lille.

Veteran Nicolas Pallios is in line to be drafted into the defence, while Mostafa Mohamed is pushing for a recall on the back of netting the decisive goal in the aforementioned game as a substitute.

That may see Matthis Abline switch to the right flank and Sorba Thomas drop down to the bench.

Le Havre possible starting lineup:
Gorgelin; Nego, Youte, Lloris, Pembele; Toure, Mwanga; Casimir, Kechta, Soumare; Ayew

Nantes possible starting lineup:
Lopes; Coco, Sow, Pallios, Cozza; Augusto, Chirivella, Leroux; Abline, Mohamed, Simon

We say: Le Havre 1-1 Nantes

With both teams having gotten some points on the board in recent games, there is increasing belief in both games. However, with that in mind, that could lead to a competitive stalemate that would benefit the visitors far more than the home team.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Darren Plant

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