On January 11, 2024 we will witness the high-voltage collision between Stade Reims and OGC Nice in an intriguing Round 17 of Ligue 1, with both hungry for every available point that each post brings. Expect a tight contest at the Estadio Stade Auguste-Delaune, as both are bent on securing favorable outcomes. How does Luka Elsner's mid-table Reims pull something together against Franck Haise's high-scoring Nice to recapture the form, while Nice is extended unbeaten at head-to-heads? Allow me to deep dive into some stats, analyses, and predictions.
Claim Your Welcome BonusStade Reims
Reims is currently in 11th place in Ligue 1, poised between mid-table security and possible danger. With just five victories from 16 games, Luka Elsner's team has been inconsistent all season, evidenced by the weekend's 1-3 home loss to St. Etienne after Keito Nakamura had opened the scoring in great style. Nakamura has been the undisputed standout with 7 goals and 1 assist so far this season. However, Reims' home form - 1W, 2D, 2L - has shown some vulnerability, with just one clean sheet in their last five games at Stade Auguste-Delaune.
The tactical setup of Elsner is more on solidity, but 1.3 goals/game from the team and poor exploitation of created chances impeded progress so far. A modest 4.4 corners/game indicates limited attacking flair; at the same time, reliance on Nakamura might become predictable for stronger sides such as Nice.
OGC Nice
Franck Haise's Nice is positioned 6th, powered by one of the best attacks in the league; among them is Evann Guessand, who this season has been instrumental with 7 goals and 4 assists. In their last game, they had a thrilling 3-2 win over Rennes, masterminded by Guessand, Sofiane Diop, and Gaetan Laborde. Following the red card given to Pablo Rosario, Nice came out strong with grit and attacking depth.
Nice comes into this match with an unbeaten run of three matches, backed by a good record of 1.9 goals/game scored and many goal-scoring opportunities created-10 GG in 10 matches. But their defensive mistakes-it has conceded a total of 10 goals in the last three matches-could have them laid bare. The suspension of Rosario adds to Haise's problems, but Nice is still representative on the road with 1W, 2D, and 2L.
Head to Head
Nice has a high level of dominance in head-to-head meetings, with 7 wins for Reims' 3, and 10 draws. Astonishingly, Nice has not been defeated in its last 11 matches against Reims, insinuating psychological dominance. High-scoring games have been a trend, with 8 out of the last 10 matches seeing over 2.5 goals. However, discipline has been strong, with 9 out of 10 staying under 4.5 cards.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Nice
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Reims
Ligue 1 2022/2023
Reims
Ligue 1 2022/2023
Nice
Ligue 1 2021/2022
Nice
Expert Betting Tips
Goals Market Prediction - Over 2.5 Goals: Both teams have shown traits of high-scoring games. Nice's vulnerabilities in defence and Reims's desperation for points might lead to an open game. (1xbet 1.85)
Match Outcome - Nice to Win: The attacking firepower of Nice, plus their good historical record against Reims, makes them favorites. Poor form and reliance on Nakamura for Reims is unlikely to cause any problem for Haise's dynamic frontline. (Betway 2.60)
Both Teams to Score Prediction - Yes: Nice's GG streak (10/10) underlines their attacking prowess and defensive slackness, while Reims have scored in 4 of their last 5 home games. (Bet365 1.61)
Other predictions
