Lorient v Nantes: top-half push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Lorient host Nantes in Ligue 1 at Stade du Moustoir on Saturday, 31 January 2026, with the hosts chasing momentum in the top half and the visitors looking to ease relegation play-off pressure.

Lorient and Nantes drew 1-1 in November, but the table picture has shifted since. Lorient sit ninth on 25 points, while Nantes are 16th on 14 points in the relegation play-off place.

Lorient arrive in form, unbeaten in five across all competitions and with back to back league wins at Monaco and Rennes. Les Canaris, by contrast, have lost three on the spin in all competitions, including a cup exit on penalties, and have suffered two straight league defeats since winning at Marseille.

Team news could shape selections. Lorient list Bandiougou Fadiga, Darline Yongwa and Abdoulaye Faye as injured. Les Canaris are without Deiver Machado through injury and Tylel Tati is suspended until Sunday, trimming their defensive options.

On the pitch, Lorient's season profile points to punchy efficiency. They've scored 25 league goals from 173 attempts with a shooting accuracy of 43.35%, despite averaging 42% possession. Pablo Pagis has six Ligue 1 goals this season and could again be a focal threat, with Arsène Kouassi among their leading creators. Les Canaris have scored 18 and conceded 34, with 44% possession and 138 shots. Mostafa Mohamed offers a central outlet, and Remy Cabella may be key to linking play.

A home win would lift Lorient to 28 points and reinforce their top half standing. Victory for Les Canaris would move them to 17 points and could ease the strain around the relegation play-off spot.