Montpellier vs OGC Nice Prediction: There are no guarantees!

Montpellier and OGC Nice are among the teams from the top division to make it to the round of 16 stage of the Coup de France. Montpellier have been in fine form throughout the tournament although the same cannot be said about their league form. They have had 2 poor results in the games leading to this match, which were a goalless draw with LOSC Lille and a defeat against Stade Rennes last weekend. So they look ahead to this fixture, hoping to get back to winning ways. And OGC Nice will hope to exploit the Montpellier team, who are struggling at the moment. OGC Nice managed to salvage a point when both clubs met in the league this season, but unfortunately this fixture only accommodates one winner and OGC will be looking to get a win at all costs.

Montpellier are not doing very well in the league at the moment. But they have a cup tie ahead of them and there's no reason why they shouldn't come all out for a win in this game. Even though it's a stretch to imagine them making it very far, they will need to take their chances and see how it turns out.

So far they have been on a good run in the tournament. Their first match ended in a 2-1 win over Amiens last month. Montpellier went ahead through an own goal by Youssof Assogba in the 42nd minute before Kevin Yeboah doubled their lead from the spot in the 56th minute. And 6 minutes later they gave away one goal and Louis Mafouta was on target to convert the chance for Amiens. And in their next match, they defeated Feignies/Aulnoye EFC by 4:0. All 5 goals were scored in the second half. Akor Adams scored a brace, while Becir Omeragic and Sacha Delaye both scored once in that game to hand Montpellier the win.

OGC Nice will hope for a better result when they travel to the Stade de la Mosson for the second time this season. Their last trip ended in a stalemate and points were shared but in this clash they need a win to advance to the next round of the tournament. After playing a goalless draw with Stade Brest last weekend, they are eager to get a win. 

OGC Nice played their first game of the tournament against Auxerre and there was nothing to separate both clubs at full time. Nice eventually won the game 4:2 on penalties to advance to the next round. Their next game against Bordeaux was entertaining with 5 goals scored between both sides. Evan Guessand put OGC Nice in the lead in the 35th minute and Morgan Sanson doubled their lead from the spot in the 47th minute. Bordeaux pulled one goal back through Jeremy Livolant in the 59th minute but OGC replied almost immediately with the third goal by Morgan Sanson in the 60th minute.

In 20 meetings between both clubs, OGC Nice won 9 matches, while Montpellier won 7 matches and 4 matches ended in a draw. OGC Nice have not lost a game against Montpellier since 2021.

Backing OGC Nice to win this game is certainly the most probable result. But their run so far in the tournament raises some concerns. Montpellier are poor through and through, but there's this element of surprise associated with cup games at this stage. Montpellier might not have the qualities to emerge as outright winners, but they can drag Nice into penalties and take their chances.

• OGC Nice Win or Draw and Under 3.5 Goals at 1.75 Odds
• OGC Nice to Qualify for Next Stage at 1.72 Odds
• OGC Nice to Win 1-0 at 7.50 Odds