Nantes vs Nice prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-12-01 20:00.
A period of four games without victory (D1, L3) for the first time under Pierre Aristouy at Nantes spelt the end of his reign at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Despite Aristouy steering the Canaries to safety on the final day of 2022/23, and leaving the club in 11th place at the end of his final weekend in charge, he was replaced by the more experienced Jocelyn Gourvennec, who last occupied the managerial hot seat at Lille two seasons ago.
Gourvennec’s first task will be to rebuild the likely fragile confidence in the squad, but defensive issues certainly need addressing too, as Nantes had conceded the second-most goals in Ligue 1 after the last round. That said, the Pays de la Loire outfit should take heart from the fact that they are unbeaten in their last three meetings with upcoming opponents Nice (W1, D2). That includes the Coupe de France final in May last year, in which they won 1-0 to lift their first trophy in 21 years.
Nice are flying high and should present a formidable test, as they sit just one point off top spot, and were one of just three teams in Europe’s traditional top five leagues yet to have tasted a league defeat by the end of their previous match. They also possess the meanest defence of those five divisions, having conceded on just four occasions. In fact, a memorable 3-2 victory at PSG in mid-September was the last time goalkeeper Marcin Bułka was beaten, as the Eagles have managed eight shutouts since!
Just as remarkably, Nice haven’t been behind for a single second in any of their 13 encounters so far this season, so will perhaps be ruing the combined four points they dropped from winning positions against Lille and Lorient on the opening two matchdays. But with PSG not playing until Sunday lunchtime, Francesco Farioli’s side have the chance to, momentarily at least, reclaim top spot.
Players to watch: Moses Simon has seven goal involvements (G3, A4) in 13 Nantes appearances this campaign, although he hasn’t scored in his last six H2Hs against Nice. Nigerian compatriot Terem Moffi meanwhile delivered the winner against Toulouse last weekend, taking his Ligue 1 tally for the club into double figures since initially joining on loan in January.
Hot stat: Nice are yet to concede within the opening 25 minutes this season.