Nice vs Monaco: Match Preview and Prediction

September 27, 2024. 18:00. Nice. Allianz Riviera Stadium
French Championship, Round 9

Where to watch: MEGOGO

Suspended: Tézé (Monaco)

Injured: Moffi, Ndayishimiye, Ndombele, Dante (?), Sanson (?) - Salisu, Diop, Balogun, Koulibaly

After a successful outing in the Champions League, Monaco returns to domestic action, where they will face a Côte d'Azur derby against their rivals Nice, and aim to build on their success in Ligue 1. Nice, hosting the match in Round 9, has secured half as many points as their principled opponent and currently sits in the mid-table.

Nice

Nice struggled on Thursday in Budapest, where a self-goal from Bomba decided the match against Ferencváros in favor of the Hungarians. This defeat marked the second consecutive loss in the UEFA Europa League following their away defeat in Rome against Lazio, with a score of 1:4. Overall, the Eagles have yet to secure a victory in this year's European competition, managing only one point from a home draw against Real Sociedad.

In the league, head coach Eze's side is also facing difficulties. While Nice managed to halt PSG at home before the October international break and currently boasts a four-match unbeaten streak, they have drawn three of those games against Lens and Nantes on the road. The team's scoring has also been lackluster, with the Eagles often limited to just one accurate shot in most matches. There have been two exceptions - both in encounters with newly promoted teams - rolling over Angers 4:1 away and a thumping 8:0 at home against Saint-Étienne.

Both of their defeats came in away matches - against Marseille (0:2) and Auxerre (1:2). At home, Nice has yet to lose, but they have only one victory, which came against Saint-Étienne, scoring six goals in the first half alone. A draw would be a reasonable result for the Eagles against Monaco, as they have only managed to avoid defeat in one of their last five meetings at the Allianz Riviera.

Monaco

Monaco triumphed over Crvena Zvezda this week, the final whistle confirming the largest victory for the Monegasques this season at 5:1. Thus, in three matches of the most prestigious European tournament, they have earned seven points, providing a strong foundation for their continued fight for a place in the knockout stages, especially considering their victory over Barcelona.

In the league, head coach Guttier’s squad is also doing well - they went into the October international break as the sole leader of Ligue 1, with only one draw in seven matches alongside six victories. However, the home match against Lille ended in a goalless draw, allowing PSG to catch up with Monaco on points and surpass them on goal difference. Achieving more in that match was hindered by Tézé's sending-off in the 61st minute. Overall, Monaco has faced disciplinary issues, accumulating eight red cards throughout 2024.

The princely club may not be as dazzling in attack this season, scoring 14 times in eight matches, but Guttier's side has significantly improved in defense, boasting the best record for goals conceded along with Lens - just 4. On the road, the Monegasques have been perfect so far - three wins from three matches with an overall goal difference of 7:1. In addition to newly-promoted Auxerre, they have traditionally defeated strong opposition at home like Lyon and Rennes, so they will have chances to continue their good run now.

Nice - Monaco: Predicted Line-ups

Moffi, Ndayishimiye, and Ndombele will miss out for the hosts due to injury, while the participation of Dante and Sanson remains uncertain. Monaco will be without injured Salisu, Diop, Balogun, Koulibaly, and suspended Tézé.

Nice - Monaco: Author's Prediction

Nice managed to stop PSG at home, but I expect Monaco to extend their winning streak on the road, as they will have had more time to recuperate after their European match.