Aillianz Riviera sets the stage for a Ligue 1 encounter on April 4, 2025, as OGC Nice host Nantes in Round 28. The situation is this: Nice, the beachside darlings, are hungry to put an end to a three-match winless run, their fans screaming for vengeance following a heart-wrenching loss to Monaco. Nantes, the sassy underdogs, roll into town with a thread of positivity, fresh from a pulse-pounding 3-2 shootout with Le Havre. This is not a game—it's a tale of pride, pressure, and pure football chaos. Nice's silken attack, led by the tireless Jonathan Clauss, meets a Nantes side that's punched above its weight through Moses Simon's magic. History calls for drama: Nantes have not lost to Nice in six matches in a row, but the hosts' attacking flair could flip the script. Suspensions and injuries beset both camps—Nice are bitten by Dante's red card, and Nantes hobble in without their defensive mainstays. The stats scream for goals, as both teams are leaking at the back and trading blows in their recent meetings. Will Nice's home fortress hold firm, or will Nantes work another dogged upset? The Riviera's electric atmosphere promises a rollercoaster, and with form lines wobbling like a dodgy barstool, this one's too close to call. Grab yourself a pint, sit back, and let's slice up the chaos—because Ligue 1 doesn't do dull.
Claim Your Welcome BonusOGC Nice
Nice are limping into this one, folks—two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five (WWLDL) tell the tale of a side who've lost their mojo. Their latest escapade? A 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco that had the Riviera faithful in an uproar. Jérémie Boga's strike was a flash of promise, but with 41% possession, four shots on target, and a measly four corners, they were outmuscled. That red card for Dante was the cherry on top—14 fouls and four yellows showed their frustration. Now with an xG of 1.85 for this match, they have the firepower to hurt Nantes. Strengths? Flair up front and a habit of scoring first (8/9 matches). Weaknesses? That defense is leakier than a sieve—conceding in all four recent matches. Suspensions hurt: Dante's out, as are Tanguy Ndombele and Melvin Bard (red card). Franck Haise has a job on his hands to reunite this group, who are well-positioned in 4th with 13 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses. Step up, Jonathan Clauss—this defender is a freak with 3 goals and 6 assists in 31 games. He's the heartbeat, going forward and opening doors. Streaks don't lie: no wins in three, first-half winners in 5/7, but that defense? Woof. Pub talk is buzzing—can Nice turn possession into goals, or will they collapse again?
Nantes
Nantes are a bit of a mixed bag, lads—WLLWL in their previous five matches they're fighting but inconsistent. Their 3-2 win over Le Havre on Saturday was a right rollercoaster—Saidou Sow and Moses Simon netted the goods, 48% possession, four corners, and two on target. Nine fouls and two yellows made it chilly, but they were able to hold out. A 0.78 xG on this one means they'll need a miracle to win against Nice. Strong aspects? They have grit and a counter-attacking sting—Simon's 7 goals and 8 assists are the class of the league. Weak aspects? That defense is a disaster, and injuries aren't helping: Jean-Charles Castelletto's red card to go along with Marcus Coco, Tino Kadewere, and Nathan Zeze on the sidelines. Antoine Kombouaré's side hold 13th position with 6 victories, 9 draws, and 12 losses—not particularly exciting, but they have determination. Moses Simon's the man to keep an eye on—his quickness and trickery could dismantle Nice's shaky defense. Form's patchy, but they possess a talent for nicking results against the run of play. Pub gossip's split—is the bus parked and it was nicked, or is Nice's attack going to blow them away? Either way, it's not boring with this bunch.
Head to Head
Nice v Nantes is an even battle—89 meetings, with Nantes winning it 34-23 and 32 draws. Their last tango on October 29, 2024, ended 1-1, a thriller of a match which sums up this rivalry's bite. Nantes have been on a six-game unbeaten run against Nice, a run which is having the Canary supporters singing. Nice have been on target in all seven recent meetings, with both teams scoring in 4/5 (GG, anyone?). Nantes love to start at a gallop—scoring the opening goal in 5/6—and corners pile up, with over 10.5 in 5/6 games. Soap opera of the past? Picture tight, nail-biting battles with a shot of mayhem. Nice's home comfort might do it this time, though Nantes' inability to quit is trouble writ big. Fireworks ahead—and maybe some colourful swearing in the stands.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2024/2025
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Ligue 1 2024/2025
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Ligue 1 2023/2024
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Ligue 1 2023/2024
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Ligue 1 2022/2023
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Nice Latest Games
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Angers
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Expert Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Nice's leaky defense (4/4) v Nantes' counter-attacking prowess (Simon blazing away). H2H predicts GG in 4/5. 1.85 odds are tempting—stick it in the accumulator!
Over 2.5 Goals – Nice's 1.85 xG against Nantes' poor defending, and a little scoring heritage (H2H patterns), cries out for action. 1.84 odds —cold as value gets.
Nice to Win – Home advantage, higher xG, and Clauss' injection of life provide Nice the advantage, despite Nantes demonstrating grit. 1.60 odds—safe as houses.
Chuck these in, pour a beer, and let the drama unfold!
Other predictions
