Prediction: Nice vs PSG
Verdict: Nice double chance
Best Odds: 1/1
Looking to spring a major Ligue 1 upset on Saturday night, Nice will welcome a struggling PSG to the Allianz Riviera for what could be another lively affair.
Nice
Starting with the hosts, while Nice might have been disappointed after only collecting a 1-1 draw away at relegation scrappers Angers last weekend, the Eaglets have continued to gain a string of plaudits since opening 2023. Punching their Europa Conference League quarter-final ticket on March 16th after breezing their way to a 4-1 aggregate romp against FC Sheriff, Les Aiglons should find the mood in their camp at a real high. In fact, Nice are unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight appearances across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to January 7th. With their eye-catching flurry highlighted by a stellar 3-0 romp away at Monaco when closing February, Saturday’s hosts will now be hoping some defensive resolve. It should be highlighted, the Eaglets have mustered just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six attempts.
Team News
While both Youcef Atal and Sofiane Diop might be inching towards a first-team return, neither are expected to feature on Saturday night. Likewise, Nice will also be without the duo of Hicham Boudaoui and Jordan Lotomba at the Allianz Riviera this weekend.
Continuing to impress since making the move from Lorient during the January transfer window, Terem Moffi will once again spearhead Nice’s attack here.
PSG
As for the visitors, marking their return from the international break with yet another downbeat display, PSG are enduring what has quickly become a major struggle. Eventually slumping to a 1-0 loss at home against Lyon, it is no secret that Christophe Galtier has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders in the French capital. Crashing out of this season’s Champions League last month thanks to a 3-0 aggregate defeat against German giants Bayern Munich, the one-time Nice boss has now seen his side lose three of their last four appearances across all competitions. Heading into the fortnight interval with a 2-0 loss at home against Rennes, Les Parisiens have the feel of a squad seeking a much-needed boost this weekend. While the defending Ligue 1 champions might still hold a six-point buffer over the chasing pack, Galtier’s side could face another stern test on Saturday night. It should be highlighted, when PSG made the trip to the Allianz Riviera last season, they suffered a last-gasp 1-0 defeat.
Team News
Limping off against Lyon in their 1-0 loss last weekend, PSG are sweating over the fitness of midfield talisman Marco Verratti here. Likewise, the French heavyweights will certainly be without the likes of Neymar, Sergio Ramos and Presnel Kimpembe on Saturday night.
While there might be growing speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s future at the Parc des Princes, the 35-year-old will once partner Kylian Mbappe up top.
Key Factors to Consider
When the two sides met for their reverse Ligue 1 meeting on October 1st, PSG picked up a 2-1 victory at the Parc des Princes.
However, that is the only win that Les Parisiens have collected against Nice from their previous four meetings against Nice.
Saturday’s hosts are unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight appearances across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to January 7th.
Likewise, Nice have not suffered a single domestic defeat at the Allianz Riviera since back on September 18th.
PSG have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their last six appearances on the road.
Conclusion
Although Nice might open Saturday’s showdown at the Allianz Riviera tipped as a real underdog with the bookmakers, Les Aiglons should be smelling the chance to make a heavyweight statement this weekend. Punching their Conference League quarter-final ticket last month, the Eaglets have only continued on a remarkable flurry since opening 2023. Unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight appearances across all competitions, Nice should be relishing PSG’s arrival on Saturday night. Marking their return from the international break with a toothless 1-0 loss at home against Lyon, it should be noted that Les Parisiens have now lost three of their last four outings. Likewise, with the reigning Ligue 1 champions suffering a 1-0 defeat when they made the trip to the Allianz Riviera last season, we are backing a home double chance here.
Verdict: Nice double chance
Best Odds: 1/1
