Nice vs Nantes prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2022-10-22 15:05.
Pressure continues to surround Nice, who are currently enduring their second-worst start to a Ligue 1 season at this stage in a decade after winning just three games from the opening 11 rounds (D3, L5). Languishing in mid-table is a far cry from manager Lucien Favre’s expectations, who responded to their latest setback against Auxerre – a 1-1 draw last weekend – by claiming his side have to “fight for the top three”.
Returning to home soil won’t bring much comfort to Nice either, as they’ve won just a third of their Ligue 1 points there so far this term (W1, D1, L3). A 3-2 success against Troyes at the Allianz Riviera in their previous Ligue 1 home game broke their home duck this league season at least, but even in victory, they conceded twice inside the final ten minutes and almost surrendered a three-goal lead in the process, so there could be tension afoot amongst an anxious home support.
Nantes may well feel the weight of the world was lifted off their shoulders after ending a seven-match winless streak by defeating Stade Brest 4-1 in the last round. The Canaries still have their lowest points total after 11 games in the top flight since 2006 though, leaving coach Antonie Kombouaré hoping “this victory will lead to others”, with their issues extending to the UEFA Europa League where qualification chances hang by a thread.
Memories of victory against none other than Nice in the Coupe de France final back in May will likely have caused a sense of excitement around the Nantes faithful about what this season could bring, yet despite entering the second half of October, their side remain winless on the road in Ligue 1 (D2, L4). This is a ground Nantes haven’t won at since 2015 either (D2, L3), so the chances of them recording that elusive first away win of the season appears slim, but if they do they will leapfrog their opponents in the table.
Players to watch: On-loan winger Nicolas Pépé scored in Nice’s last home outing, and the Ivorian has directly contributed to four goals in six appearances against Nantes (G2, A2). Canaries midfielder Ludovic Blas broke his duck at the 12th attempt against Nice in these sides’ last meeting, netting the decisive penalty in the Coupe de France final.
Hot stat: Just one of Nice’s last 11 Ligue 1 games has been decided by more than a one-goal margin.