FC Nantes find themselves in a must-win situation as they travel to face RC Lens on Friday night, desperately fighting to avoid the drop to Ligue 2. After a stunning 3-0 victory over Olympique de Marseille last week, hopes were high for Les Canaris. However, Auxerre's subsequent win over Angers has left Nantes teetering on the edge of relegation, five points adrift of the playoff spot with only two matches remaining.

With Auxerre facing fellow strugglers Nice this weekend, every point is precious for Vahid Halilhodzic's side. A win at Lens is non-negotiable if they want to keep their survival hopes alive.

Injuries have dealt Nantes a blow, with Tylel Tati, Fabien Centonze, Francis Coquelin, and Kelvin Amain all sidelined. The attacking burden falls on Ignatius Ganago, who is expected to lead the line and provide the firepower needed to secure a crucial result.

Predicted Nantes XI: Anthony Lopes; Louis Leroux, Nicolas Cozza, Ali Youssif, Frédéric Guilbert; Johann Lepenant, Ibrahima Sissoko; Rémy Cabella, Mohamed Kaba, Matthis Abline; Ignatius Ganago.