Two of the bottom teams in Ligue 1 meet in Wednesday’s rescheduled fixtures as 19th placed Nimes welcome 18th placed Lorient at the Stade des Costieres. The match kickoff is at 9 pm.
The match was originally scheduled for January, but a coronavirus outbreak in the Merlus camp forced the relegation six-pointer to remain postponed.
Pascal Plancque is having a great time turning the Crocodiles’ sinking ship with a 2-0 win over Dijon followed by one over Bordeaux by the same scoreline. The Nimes outfit came alive as Birger Meling’s strike broke the deadlock, followed by a perfect header by Renaud Ripart – his fifth goal of the campaign.
Les Crocodiles continue fighting to maintain their status in the top flight for another season. The pressure remains under Plancque, but they remain the only team in the bottom six to amass six points in their previous duels.
The week’s hosts ended a nine-game losing streak at home across all competitions with their deserved win over an out-of-sorts Bordeaux. However, maintaining back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season while shipping 51 goals is the most this season in Ligue 1.
On the other hand, Lorient managed to maintain draws against Rennes and Monaco away from home. However, they have only won once on their travels this season. They have shipped at least two goals in six of their last seven.
Nimes vs. Lorient Head to Head
Both sides have six games against each other with Nimes taking two wins while Lorient with three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Nimes 2-0 Bordeaux
Dijon 0-2 Nimes
Nimes 1-3 Nice
Nimes 3-4 Monaco
PSG 3-0 Nimes
Away
Lorient 1-4 Lille
Monaco 2-2 Lorient
Lorient 2-1 Paris FC
Lorient 1-0 Rennes
Rennes 1-1 Lorient
Nimes Team News
Zinedine Ferhat remains suspended ahead of the clash after the accumulation of five bookings. Niclas Eliasson might return on the flanks, but Anthony Briancon left on the stretcher and will miss out on this encounter.
Lorient Team News
All Covid-19 personnel affected are fully recovered ahead of the clash with Paul Nardi and Vincent Le Goff potentials for recalls. The only concerns for Pelissier include Thomas Fontaine, Matthieu Saunier, and Sylvain Marveaux. Two further changes to the starting XI could see Laurent Abergel and Thomas Monconduit return to the engine room.
Prediction and Odds
It is a significant opportunity for both teams to climb up above safety, making it extra hard to choose a winner.
Correct Score: 2-2
Draw
Goals Over 2.5