The Matchday 28 clash in Ligue 1 between Nice and Nantes will take place on April 4 at the Allianz Riviera Stadium. Nice vs. Nantes: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Nice
The club extended their winless streak in Ligue 1 to three matches (1 draw, 2 losses), following a 1-2 defeat to Monaco in the previous round. Prior to this, Nice was on a six-match unbeaten run in the tournament, winning five of those games. This poor run has dropped the club to 4th place in the French Championship standings, although they are only three points behind the second spot. Notably, Nice has been performing well at home this season, suffering just one defeat (8 wins, 4 draws).
- The team has failed to keep a clean sheet in 14 of their last 17 league matches.
- The club has scored exactly twice in 7 of their last 10 home games in this tournament.
- No more than two goals have been scored in Nice's last five home matches in Ligue 1.
Predicted lineup for Nice (3-4-3)
Marcin Bulka – Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Dante, Moise Bambito – Ali Abdi, Baptiste Santamaria, Pablo Rosario, Jonathan Clauss – Evann Guessand, Jeremie Boga, Mohamed-Ali Cho.
Nantes
The team suffered a 2-3 defeat to Le Havre in their previous league match, marking their third loss in the last four games (1 win). Despite the setback, Nantes remains in 13th place in the Ligue 1 standings, but their lead over the playoff zone has been reduced to just three points. It's important to note that the club has lost their last three away matches in the top French league, conceding at least two goals in each.
- Nantes has been involved in uncompromising series in Ligue 1 for eight matches (3 wins, 5 losses).
- The club has scored in 12 of their last 15 league matches.
- The team has conceded in their last 13 away matches in the top French league.
Predicted lineup for Nantes (4-3-3)
Anthony Lopes – Nicolas Cozza, Nicolas Pallois, Saidu Sow, Kelvin Amian – Douglas Augusto, Pedro Chirivella, Johan Lepenant – Matthis Abline, Moses Simon, Mostafa Mohamed.
Referee
Hakim Ben El Hadj (France)
Matches – 13 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 53;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 23%.
Match Prediction: Nice vs. Nantes
Francesco Farioli's side suffered a loss in the last round in the intense Côte d'Azur derby against Monaco, and they should have lost by a larger margin. It can be stated that the club is experiencing a slump after a very successful stretch in the championship, where they won five matches and drew one. Even the home advantage did not help Nice secure a win in their last two home Ligue 1 matches – a 0-2 loss to Lyon and a draw with Auxerre (1-1). Before this, the club looked impressive at home, winning six consecutive Ligue 1 matches. They also excelled in attack, scoring two goals in eight home league matches.
I believe the bookmakers are overestimating the hosts, who are going through a rough patch this season. Nantes is fighting for survival and will surely put up a fight against their struggling opponent. Antoine Kombouaré's side may have lost three of their last four league matches, but they gave their opponents a tough battle. Moreover, Nantes has not lost by more than one goal in their last three Ligue 1 matches. Additionally, the team has not lost to Nice in their last five head-to-head encounters in the French Championship (2 wins, 3 draws) since 2022.
Therefore, I consider a positive handicap on the underestimated visitors to be a confident betting position. My prediction: Nantes with a handicap (+1.5)
