Relegation Battle Looms as Nantes Host Paris FC in Ligue 1
NANTES, 18 January 2026 – A crucial fixture in the lower reaches of Ligue 1 unfolds this afternoon as FC Nantes welcome Paris FC to the Stade de la Beaujoire. With both sides separated by a single point in a congested bottom half, the match carries significant weight for their respective battles against the drop.
A Tight Contest Expected
The two teams find themselves in a precarious league position as the season approaches its midway point. Historical data and recent form suggest a closely-fought encounter is on the cards. Nantes will draw confidence from their recent head-to-head record, having won the last two competitive meetings against the capital club, including a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture last October.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Both managers are grappling with significant absentee lists. Nantes will be without defender Fabien Centonze due to a hamstring injury, while international duty claims Mostafa Mohamed and Chidozie Awaziem. Paris FC’s squad is similarly depleted, missing key attacker Moses Simon (international duty) and midfielder Marshall Munetsi through injury. Samir Chergui and Pierre Lees-Melou are also sidelined for the visitors.
| Nantes (4-2-3-1) | Paris FC (4-5-1) |
|---|---|
| Anthony Lopes (GK) Kelvin Amian Tylel Tati Junior Mwanga Deiver Machado Louis Leroux Johann Lepenant Matthis Abline Rémy Cabella Bahereba Guirassy Youssef El Arabi | Kevin Trapp (GK) Hamari Traoré Mamadou Mbow Otavio Thibault De Smet Ilan Kebbal Vincent Marchetti Maxime Lopez Adama Camara Mathieu Cafaro Jean-Philippe Krasso |
Key Facts & Statistics
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent H2H | Nantes have won the last 2 competitive matches. |
| Nantes Form | Scored 10 goals in their last 5 matches. |
| Paris FC Form | Conceded the most penalties in Ligue 1 this season (8). |
| Top Scorer (Nantes) | Youssef El Arabi (6 goals) |
| Top Scorer (Paris FC) | Ilan Kebbal (3 goals) |
| Key Creator | Paris FC’s Maxime Lopez is ranked 2nd in Ligue 1 for big chances created. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Nantes vs Paris FC kick off?
The Ligue 1 match is scheduled for 16:15 UTC on Sunday, 18 January 2026.
Where is the match being played?
The fixture will be held at the Stade de la Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau in Nantes, France.
Who is the referee for this match?
Benoît Millot has been appointed as the referee for this Ligue 1 encounter.