Nice vs Nantes: Match preview, prediction, h2h, team news, line-ups, & betting tips

OGC Nice will host Nantes in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter at the Allianz Riviera on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00. This Round 4 fixture will see two Super Eagles stars Terem Moffi and Chidozie Awaziem go clash in a bid to help their clubs improve their early season standings.

This encounter presents a great opportunity for either team to gain momentum and climb the table, making it a compelling fixture for bettors to analyze.

With both teams looking to find their rhythm, this game promises to be a tight and competitive affair with potential for some interesting betting outcomes.

Nice have endured a difficult start to their season, winning just one of their opening three Ligue 1 matches. After beginning with a 0:1 home defeat to Toulouse on August 16, they bounced back with an impressive 3:1 victory over Auxerre, with Nigeria'sMoffi hitting a landmark.

However, they suffered another setback with a 3:1 away loss to Le Havre on August 31. Their European aspirations were also dashed with back-to-back 2:0 defeats to Benfica in Champions League Qualification on August 6 and August 12.

Nantes have also struggled for consistency, losing their opening two Ligue 1 fixtures – 0:1 at home to Paris Saint-Germain on August 17 and 1:0 away to Strasbourg on August 24 – before securing their first win of the season with a 1:0 home victory against Auxerre on August 30.

Their pre-season form was also concerning, with defeats to Angers (1:0 on August 2) and Paris FC (2:3 on August 9).

• Nice: LWLWL

• Nantes: WLWLW

Nantes holds the historical edge, winning three of their last five meetings including two consecutive 2:1 victories at this venue. Both teams have struggled for consistency this season - Nice winning just one of their three league games while Nantes secured their first victory in their most recent outing against Auxerre.

The recent history between these two sides has been dominated by Nantes, who have won three of their last five encounters against Nice.

Their most recent meeting took place at the Allianz Riviera on April 4, 2025, where Nantes secured a 2:1 victory with goals from Douglas Gomes and Matthis Abline, while Ali Abdi scored for Nice.

The teams played out a 1:1 draw at Stade de la Beaujoire in October 2024, with Matthis Abline and Evann Guessand on the scoresheet.

Notably, Nantes has been particularly effective at the Allianz Riviera, winning their last two visits there with the same 2:1 scoreline.

• Nantes have remained undefeated in their last seven encounters with Nice, winning four and drawing three.

• In their last six meetings, five matches between Nice and Nantes have ended with both teams scoring.

• Nice has not kept a clean sheet in any of their matches so far this season.

I predict a 1-1 draw in this match. Given the recent head-to-head record where Nantes has consistently proven to be a difficult opponent for Nice, and considering both teams' struggles with defensive solidity this season, a score draw seems a very plausible outcome.

Both sides have shown they are capable of scoring, but neither has looked particularly secure at the back, suggesting a share of the spoils with goals for both is the most likely result.

Nice has been hit with a number of injuries and suspensions. Captain Dante is suspended, while Youssouf Ndayishimiye is also out with an injury.

Other players sidelined include Mohamed Abdelmonem, Tanguy Ndombele, Mohamed-Ali Cho, Terem Moffi, and Melvin Bard. However, they will welcome back Gaetan Laborde, although he is not expected to start.

Nantes also has some injury concerns. Mayckel Lahdo and Mathieu Acapandie will both miss the match due to injuries. The participation of Fabien Centonze is also questionable.

• Tip 1 - Result: Draw

• Tip 2 - Over/Under 2.5 goals: Under 2.5 goals

• Tip 3 - Both Teams to Score: Yes