Nice is set to temporarily claim the top spot in Ligue 1 as they face relegation-threatened Clermont at Stade Gabriel Montpied.
In this match preview, we delve into the teams’ recent performances and what to expect in this exciting encounter.
Match Preview
It took Clermont nine matches to secure their first win of the season, a 2-1 victory over Lyon.
This win has injected hope into the squad, as they are now only three points away from a relegation playoff berth and four points behind Ligue 1 salvation.
After a slow start to the season with just one point from six games, Clermont has shown improved consistency, going undefeated in their last three matches.
Clermont is determined to secure their first home victory of the season, having failed to score in their last three matches at Stade Gabriel Montpied in this competition. Their last Ligue 1 home win dates back to May 2023.
In contrast, Clermont has a strong record against Nice, having won three out of four encounters in the top flight.
Nice, under the leadership of Francesco Farioli, is just one point behind their arch-rivals Monaco for the top spot in the league.
They have been defensively solid, recording four consecutive clean sheets and conceding the fewest goals in Ligue 1 this season.
Nice has won their previous three away matches by a single goal, aiming to secure their first four-match road-winning run in Ligue 1 this century.
They have not lost a domestic game since May 2023 and are on track to match their longest unbeaten run in the competition since 2016.
With five wins in their last six league fixtures, Nice has shown remarkable improvement compared to their previous 18 top-flight matches.
In terms of form, Clermont’s recent record stands at L-D-L-L-D-W, while Nice’s record is W-W-W-D-W-W.
Team News
Clermont may miss Yoel Armougom due to a thigh issue, and Jeremie Bela is questionable with an unknown injury, while Neto Borges is out through suspension.
Muhammed Cham and Yohann Magnin lead the team in goals this season.
Nice could be without Sofiane Diop, still recovering from a thigh injury, and Youcef Atal has been suspended for seven matches. Farioli has made one change to his starting lineup.
In their previous encounters, a strike from Saif-Eddine Khaoui secured a win for Clermont, while Evann Guessand’s 79th-minute goal led Nice to victory.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Clermont:
Diaw;
Pelmard, Ogier, Seidu;
Konate, Keita, Gastien, Magnin, Allevinah;
Boutobba, Cham
Nice:
Bulka;
Lotomba, Todibo, Dante, Bard;
Boudaoui, Ndayishimiye, Rosario;
Laborde, Moffi, Guessand
Prediction:
Clermont has shown improvement, but Nice’s solid defense and winning experience in close encounters make them the favorites in this matchup.
- Our prediction: Clermont 0-1 Nice.
