As the sun sets over the picturesque French Riviera, the Allianz Riviera stadium is set for an electrifying duel between Olympique Lyon and OGC Nice. Both teams entrenched at the top of Ligue 1 stand ready to meet each other in a battle that not only yields points but honor. With aspirations in Europe to be won, this game is more than just a game; it's a testament to strategy, talent, and sheer willpower.
Claim Welcome BonusOGC Nice Preview
At the shrewd direction of Franck Haise, OGC Nice have been a shock package this season. Their current performances are simply astonishing, boasting four on-the-spin victories only to endure a temporary lapse. Their most recent outing saw them take apart Saint-Étienne with an easy 3-12 triumph. Despite boasting a mere 37% possession, Nice's counter-attacking skills were unveiled in great glory courtesy of efforts by Pablo Rosario, Mickaël Nade, and Evann Guessand.
But the test to come against Lyon looms large. Sitting with an expected goals (xG) value of 1.34, Nice's attacking unit, led by mercurial Jonathan Clauss (3 goals, 5 assists in 29 matches), will need to be ruthless at their best. Sitting third with a tally of 13 wins, 7 draws, and 4 defeats, the team shows how consistent and hungry they are.
Injuries and suspensions may be difficult, with major players like Morgan Sanson, Tanguy Ndombele, and Terem Moffi being out of the lineup. Haise's squad strength will be tested to its limit, but their persistence all season long proves that they are up for it.
Olympique Lyon Preview
Lyon's campaign this season has been an up-and-down affair. Their recent 3-1 victory over FCSB in the UEFA Champions League was a true reflection of their attack, as Nicolas Tagliafico found the net and Malick Fofana bagged a fine brace. Picking up possession at a record 67% and finding 17 attempts on target, Lyon's attack is in full throttle.
With an upcoming match xG of 1.46, Lyon's offense, led by the likes of Lucas Perri (10 clean sheets in 33 games), should be capable of probing Nice's defense. Already 6th placed in the league, with 11 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses, Lyon's European football hope is not gone.
But their preparation has been called into question by the suspension of their head coach Paulo Fonseca until November, following a row with a referee. How well they have adapted to that leadership vacuum will prove crucial to how they perform against Nice.
Head to Head
The two cities enjoy a rich and complicated history with the sport. Of their past 50 games, Lyon has won 25 games, Nice 13, and 12 drew. Their latest game on December 1, 2024, was one-sided as Lyon hammered Nice 4-1.
This mythic rivalry is likely to produce high-octane matches, with an average of 2.86 goals per game, which indicates a likelihood of an exciting and goal-filled game.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2024/2025
FC Lyon
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Nice
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Nice
Ligue 1 2023/2024
FC Lyon
Ligue 1 2022/2023
FC Lyon
Nice Latest Games
Nice
Brest
Nice
Reims
Nice
Angers
FC Lyon Latest Games
FC Lyon
Angers
FC Lyon
Lens
Rennes
FC Lyon
Expert Betting Tips
Over 2.5 Goals: These two teams have played high-scoring matches against each other in the past, so this is an option.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Given that both teams have such a strong attacking lineup and their current form for scoring, there is a chance both teams score.
Draw or Lyon Win: Considering Lyon's strong head-to-head record, this is a fall-back option.
Other predictions
