The Matchday 23 clash in Ligue 1 between Nice and Montpellier will take place on February 23 at the Allianz Riviera Stadium. Nice vs. Montpellier: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Nice
In the previous round, Franck Haise's side secured a 3-1 away victory against Le Havre. As a result, Nice extended their unbeaten streak in the league to four matches, with three wins during this period. Additionally, the club scored at least three goals for the fifth time in this Ligue 1 season. In the standings, the team is in third place with 40 points, ahead of fourth-placed Monaco only on goal difference. Notably, Nice, alongside PSG, is one of only two clubs yet to lose at home in the current championship.
- The team has not lost in 10 of their last 11 home matches in Ligue 1 (7 wins, 3 draws).
- Both teams scored in 6 of Nice's last 8 home league games.
- The club has scored at least two goals in their last seven home Ligue 1 matches.
Predicted lineup for Nice (3-4-3)
Marcin Bulka – Melvin Bard, Dante, Ali Abdi – Moises Bombito, Tom Lacoux, Baptiste Santamaria, Jonathan Clauss – Mohamed-Ali Cho, Evann Guessand, Gaetan Laborde.
Midfielder Pablo Rosario will miss the game due to injury. Defender Melvin Bard is suspended.
Montpellier
Jean-Louis Gasset's side could not withstand Lyon at home in the last round, losing 1-4. This marked Montpellier's third consecutive defeat and 15th overall in the current championship. Additionally, the team conceded at least three goals for the eighth time this Ligue 1 season. The club remains at the bottom of the standings with 15 points, six points adrift of the safe 15th spot. Notably, Montpellier has conceded the most goals in the current championship (52).
- The team has lost 9 of their last 10 away matches in Ligue 1.
- The club failed to score in 5 of their last 6 away league games.
- Montpellier has not conceded more than two goals in their last six away Ligue 1 matches.
Predicted lineup for Montpellier (4-4-2)
Benjamin Lecomte – Enzo Chato Mbiayi, Bamo Meite, Yael Mouanga, Theo Sainte-Luce – Joris Chotard, Rabbi Njingula, Teji Savanier, Jordan Ferri – Andy Delort, Tanguy Koulibaly.
Defenders Modibo Sagnan, Becir Omeragic, and Issiaga Sylla will miss the game due to injuries.
Referee
Willy Delajod (France)
Matches – 13 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 57;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 31%.
Match Prediction: Nice vs. Montpellier
At home, Franck Haise's charges feel particularly confident and often achieve maximum results. In this Ligue 1 season, Nice has not lost at home, even after playing against all the top-5 teams in the current championship standings – PSG (1:1), Marseille (2:0), Monaco (2:1), and Lille (2:2). Moreover, the club won their last five home matches in Ligue 1, with the last two victories by a two-goal margin.
Montpellier languishes at the bottom of the table, largely because they rarely manage to secure points in away matches. In ten away games this season, the club suffered nine defeats and earned only three points. Additionally, in five of these matches, the team lost by a margin of at least two goals, including two heavy defeats.
I see the hosts as clear favorites in this encounter and expect a confident victory from them. My prediction: Nice with a handicap (-1)