Struggling Offense Looms for Nantes Ahead of Rennes Encounter: Scarcity in Goal Scoring and Opportunities are Major Concerns
In the upcoming Ligue 1 clash on Saturday, Nantes find themselves in a precarious position, with their captain's fitness uncertain and their offensive form leaving much to be desired.
The defensive battle against Rennes promises to be a fierce one, as the poster featuring Francis Coquelin, wielding an axe to defend a yellow and green banner, suggests. Nantes' resilience has been evident in their defensive performances, but they have struggled to create scoring opportunities.
Nantes currently rank third in the successful dribble ranking, averaging 8.5 successful dribbles per match. However, their shot success rate stands at a dismal 3.1%, the lowest in the league, and they have provoked the fewest 'expected goals' (1.8).
The frosty atmosphere at La Beaujoire could intensify if Nantes continue to struggle in front of goal. Goalkeeper Alban Lopes, who has emphasised the need to create uncertainty, agrees. He reiterates that a derby is won by the final result, not the manner of play.
Coach Luis Castro shares Lopes' sentiments, urging his team to be more aggressive and shoot more to trouble opponents. He believes that the match against Nice, which ended in a 0-1 loss, was their worst, but assures that they have not been playing bad matches all the time.
Dehmaine Tabibou, a 20-year-old French professional footballer, could be a potential solution to Nantes' offensive woes. Playing as a central midfielder for FC Nantes in Ligue 1, Tabibou is among the players creating the most situations in the current season. Yassine Benhattab, another Ligue 1 player creating the most situations at the start of the season, is another player who could contribute to Nantes' offense.
Experienced weapons Matthis Abline and Mostafa Mohamed are also expected to play key roles, even without Herba Guirassy. The graphic designer's proposal of a Viking-themed poster featuring Francis Coquelin might just be the boost of morale that Nantes need to turn their fortunes around.
As they prepare for the upcoming match, Nantes will need to find a way to overcome their offensive struggles and secure a much-needed victory. Metz, with the second-to-last number of 'expected goals' (4.5), could provide an opportunity for Nantes to regain their scoring touch. The stakes are high, and Nantes will need to dig deep to secure a positive result.
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