Serge Gakpé Shines as Nantes Travel to Toulouse with Confidence
By BBC Sport
With Ligue 1 survival already secured, Nantes approach the closing stages of the season with renewed confidence and little pressure. This Sunday, they travel to the Stadium Municipal to face Toulouse in Matchday 36, aiming to continue their solid run of form.
Promoted at the start of the campaign, Nantes have impressed by ensuring their top-flight status well before the season’s end. Having lost just one of their last eight matches, Michel Der Zakarian’s side will take to the field with a sense of freedom and the opportunity to build momentum heading into next season.
Still without leading striker Filip Djordjevic, who remains sidelined through injury, the Canaries will look once again to Serge Gakpé. The Togolese international has stepped up with crucial performances in recent weeks, quietly filling the void left by Djordjevic. Operating effectively on the right flank, Gakpé has emerged as a key attacking outlet, and some now see him as a possible long-term replacement for the Serbian forward.
While optimism surrounds Gakpé’s form, Nantes will have to do without winger Johan Audel, who has been ruled out due to a thigh injury.
Despite the absences, Der Zakarian has a largely full squad at his disposal. The travelling party to Toulouse includes:
Goalkeepers: Riou, Zelazny
Defenders: Alhadhur, Cissokho, Djidji, Djilobodji, Veigneau, Vizcarrondo
Midfielders: Bedoya, Bessat, Deaux, Gomis, Nicolita, Toure, Veretout
Forwards: Aristeguieta, Bangoura, Gakpé
Toulouse, like Nantes, enter the fixture with little at stake, having steered clear of relegation trouble but fallen short of a European challenge. With both sides free from the pressure of league standings, Sunday’s match could offer an open and entertaining contest — and an opportunity for players like Gakpé to leave a lasting impression before the summer break.
