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Nantes1 – 0Mon 7 Sept · 20:45See the match →
Kandil80%✓
Fdaouch100%✓Obougou60%↑Nahounou60%✓Mendy80%✓Fernandez-Veliz60%✓Tacafred60%✓
Basilio90%✓Bouabdeli80%✓Kebe80%✓
Housni80%✓Overview
Just one defeat for 3 draws and 2 wins in ASNL's preparation, which above all saw them score 19 goals across these 6 matches (including an 8-0 that certainly helps). It's hard to confirm that last season's offensive struggles have been resolved, even if Ilyes Housni's impact is already being felt. Nancy took advantage of the transfer window to trim the squad by releasing players who never managed to find their place (Maouassa, Julloux, Suljic, Camara, Outro, Sidibé) and replacing them with a large number of signings (5 of the 7 new recruits are 23 or younger). The main work is in midfield, where the usual starters Bouriaud and Carlier have departed. Oswald Tanchot favored the 4-3-3 during this preparation, finishing his friendly series in that formation. It's quite possible a shift toward 5-4-1 could happen later. A few injuries to expect at the start of the season: Issam Bouaoune (ankle sprain), Hugo Barbier (on crutches), Chafik El Hansar and Adrian Dabasse.
Key players
Zakaria Fdaouch already had a strong season last year and will remain an undisputed starter on his left flank. In midfield, Walid Bouabdeli will be the playmaker of this team, capable of playing centrally or on the right. Enzo Basilio, slightly underwhelming last season relative to his status, remains a top Ligue 2 goalkeeper.
Players to watch
Ilyes Housni is THE player to watch for this team this season. 7 goals scored in preseason out of his team's 19, while playing mostly on the right wing. This might finally be his breakthrough season! Enzo Tacafred has the chance to confirm his explosive progression from last year and will be virtually assured of playing every match on the right with very little competition now. Mamadou Fofana, who might not start as a regular but could quickly earn his place due to suspensions and dips in form from his teammates, could be a real surprise if he returns to his level from a few years back.
The fan's bet
The understanding between the attacking trio will be key for ASNL this season: the friendlies showed it's working well, with them scoring 12 goals between the three of them. It will need to be confirmed in the league, but the patterns are already there. At the back, the defense is virtually unchanged from last season, and has the luxury of four central defenders capable of starting a match. The real question remains in midfield, both in terms of the system (2 or 3 central midfielders) and the names to pencil in, with 4 new recruits who'll have to battle for their spot, alongside Gélin, Bouabdeli, Barbier and El Hansar. If things click, this ASNL could perform better than just survival.
ReimsHome—RodezAway—GuingampHome—AnnecyAway—LavalHome—32 players — the badge shows the L10, the average of the last 10 matches played.
