Prediction: Nice vs Monaco

Verdict: Nice draw no bet

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who have their sights set on punching a Champions League ticket this season, Nice will welcome Monaco to the Allianz Riviera on Sunday night.

Nice

Starting with the hosts, while Nice might have opened up the 2023/24 campaign in the midst of a public struggle, the Eaglets have come roaring back in some style. Continuing to skyrocket their way up the Ligue 1 standings, Francesco Farioli’s side sit firmly in the driving seat to punch a Champions League ticket this season. With the mood around the Allianz Riviera at a red-hot high, Nice have lost just one of their previous six showdowns against top-flight opposition. Last seen earlier in the week extending on their Coupe de France adventure as they secured a stellar 4-1 romp away at Montpellier, the former Alanyaspor boss has also seen his squad gain a fearsome reputation for their extended success on home soil. In fact, Sunday’s hosts have won all of their last seven straight domestic appearances at the Allianz Riviera – a run that stems all the way back to a 0-0 stalemate against Brest back on October 1st.

Team News

Still away with Nigeria at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations, Nice will once again be without attacking ace Terem Moffi on Sunday night. Likewise, dealing with respective injury issues, Farioli will also be unable to call upon the likes of Youcef Atal, Alexis Beka Beka and Morocco international Sofiane Diop.

However, after serving a one-match suspension against Brest last week, 27-year-old midfielder Pablo Rosario could make a full return here. While Gaetan Laborde might have notched just a trio of Ligue 1 strikes this season, the 29-year-old will once again partner Evann Guessand in the final third.

Monaco

As for the visitors, while Monaco might still be dreaming of the chance to mount a real Champions League charge, Adi Hutter’s side are enduring a recent Ligue 1 wobble. Suffering a minor collapse on home soil last week as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against le Havre, the Monegasues have failed to win any of their previous three top-flight appearances. Struggling to find much stability on either side of opening the New Year, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss is also crying out for some much-welcomed defensive resolve. With their recent issues underlined by a 3-1 defeat at home against Reims last month, Monaco are without a single clean sheet from all of their last seven meetings against top-flight opposition. Likewise, hit with a 1-0 loss when they welcomed Nice to the Stade Louis II for their reverse Ligue 1 showdown back on September 22nd, Hutter’s men could face another tricky test on Sunday night.

Team News

Featuring for AFCON finalists Ivory Coast over the past month, Monaco will be unable to call upon Wilfried Singo on Sunday night. Likewise, still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Hutter’s side are still without attacking ace Breel Embolo.

Enjoying what has been a remarkable free-scoring run and now bagging nine goals in his previous seven domestic appearances, Wissam Ben Yedder will have a leading role to play here. Former Liverpool star Takumi Minamino could make a first domestic start of 2024 this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Nice and Monaco met for their reverse Ligue 1 showdown on September 22nd, the Eaglets picked up a 1-0 victory.
• Nice have won all of their past nine straight appearances at the Allianz Riviera.
• Continuing on from last season, Sunday’s hosts have not lost a domestic appearance at the Allianz Riviera since April 23rd of last year.
• Wissam Ben Yedder has bagged nine goals in his previous seven domestic appearances across all formats.
• All of Monaco’s last five away fixtures against Ligue 1 opposition have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Landing a gritty 1-0 victory when they travelled to the Stade Louis II back on September 22nd, Nice will certainly be seeking a repeat performance here. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their continued success on home soil and not suffering a single Ligue 1 defeat in front of their own supporters over the past 10 months, Sunday’s hosts will be desperate to shore up their spot in the Champions League chase. With Monaco failing to win any of their previous three top-flight appearances, we are backing a home draw no bet this weekend.

Verdict: Nice draw no bet

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster