Le Havre vs Nice prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-12-15 16:00.
Newly-promoted Le Havre enjoyed a dream start to life back in the top-flight, losing just one of their first six games (W2, D3) and occupying a place in the top-seven as a result. Things have soured since, with just one win from their next nine (D4, L4) leaving them just four points ahead of the relegation zone at the start of this round.
That slide continued by conceding in the 96th-minute to lose against Strasbourg last time out, extending their active winless streak to four matches (D2, L2). A return home doesn’t bode well as they’re without a victory in four on their own turf as well (D2, L2), failing to score in any of those matches. Only Clermont (nine) have blanked more often in Ligue 1 this term than Le Havre (eight), so finding their shooting boots is surely the route out of their slump.
The visit of the best defence in Europe’s traditional top-five leagues is most unwelcome then, as Nice visit the Stade Océane looking to establish themselves as title challengers. The Eaglets enter this round four points adrift of leaders and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, with the 32 points they’ve accumulated at this stage their highest since 2016/17.
Francesco Farioli’s men have been far from great entertainers, as while their measly six goals conceded has them head and shoulders above the rest defensively, they’ve also netted just 16 times in 15 matches. It’s a method that’s working for Nice though, and they’ll hope it stays that way as they go in search of a first top-flight H2H victory since March 1987 (D3, L9 since) – and just a second-ever away success in the French top-flight at Le Havre dating back to 1950/51 (W1, D3, L11).
Players to watch: Mohamed Bayo was the last player to score a home league goal for Le Havre back in September – that was the only one of his last five club goals to arrive before half-time. Nice forward Terem Moffi also prefers to strike late, with three of his four goals this term coming beyond the interval.
Hot stat: Nice’s Ligue 1 matches have averaged 1.47 total goals – comfortably the lowest in the division.