High-flying Nantes will be searching for their fifth straight victory when they host third-placed Lille, a team that are also exceeding expectations this term.

One of Frances most famous clubs successfully returned to the elite division this summer, and they surprised everyone by only signing three players, while keeping the entire team together.

That, however, proved to be an excellent decision as it allowed the Canaries to hit the ground running early on.

Nantes didn’t have the best of starts as their opening win over Bastia was followed by defeats to Lorient and PSG, while they could only pick up four points from next three fixtures.

Nevertheless, Michel der Zakarian’s side have been absolutely amazing of late, defeating Nice, Rennes, Evian and Ajaccio in their last four matches.

Having climbed to fourth place in the standings, the Canaries will want to extend their excellent run, and they are 2.75 (7/4) to do so.

One player has impressed in particular this term and that is striker Filip Djordjevic, who is 2.70 (17/10) to increase his tally to seven or more goals.

Apart from summer signing Johan Audel, who is still lacking match fitness, Michel der Zakarian can choose from a fully fit squad.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Riou – Cissokho, Vizcarrondo, Djilobodji, Alhadhur – Deaux, Toure – Nicolita, Veretout, Gakpe – Djordjevic.

Lille fought bravely for their place in the top 3 last term, but eventually missed out on European qualification alltogether, having finished the league campaign one point behind the Europa League positions.

With long-serving boss Rudi Garcia leaving for AS Roma and important players Payet, Chedjou, Digne and Pedretti sold this summer, les Dogues were predicted a very difficult campaign.

Nonetheless, even with no major signings, new boss Rene Girard managed to rebuild the squad and his side have in turn produced some stunning showings of late.

Having won four of last five games and only sharing spoils with Lyon, Lille have climbed to third place in the standings, and they are now 2.80 (9/5) to see off Nantes as well.

Les Dogues have been absolutely brilliant at the back, keeping eight clean sheets in ten league matches, and they are 3.00 (1/1) to make it six matches in a row without conceding.

The problem is that Ryan Mendes, Marko Basa and Marvin Martin have all been ruled out of the trip to Stade de la Beaujoire, which means there will be no changes to the side that defeated Montpellier last weekend.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Enyeama – Beria, Kjaer, Rozenhal, Souare – Balmont, Mavuba, Gueye – Kalou, Roux, Rodelin.