Nice will play their first domestic home game of the year against Metz in Allianz Rivera on Saturday, as the campaign approaches its mid-point this weekend.
Les Aiglons, who lost their previous match against Rennes, are still in second place, while Les Grenats are just two points above the relegation line after their 1-0 defeat against Toulouse.
Match preview
Nice was a top contender for the title in December, but they have been inconsistent since then.
They are eight points behind leaders PSG and only holding onto a Champions League berth by one point ahead of Brest and two points above fourth-placed Monaco.
Their backline has conceded the fewest goals in the top-flight so far, but they have conceded five goals in their last three matches.
Nice has been very strong at home, conceding only one goal at Allianz Rivera this season in all competitions.
They have won 10 times this season, which is four more victories than they had at this point of their previous campaign.
Metz, on the other hand, have been struggling since November, with five successive defeats in the league and an exit on penalties from the Coupe de France.
Their poor form leaves them flirting with relegation, ahead of Lyon on goal difference for a relegation playoff spot.
During this season’s domestic campaign, Metz have never won a match after conceding the opening goal.
Nice Ligue 1 form: W L W L W L
Nice form (all competitions): W L W W L W
Metz Ligue 1 form: W L L L L L
Metz form (all competitions): L L L L L L
Team News
Nice is missing three players due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Sofiane Diop might still be a week away from returning from his broken toe, and Romain Perraud is dealing with a thigh injury.
Metz will be without four players because of the Africa Cup of Nations, and Oscar Estupinan is unlikely to feature because of a hamstring strain.
Christophe Herelle will not be available after receiving a red card against Toulouse.
Possible starting lineups
Nice : (4-3-3)
Bulka;
Lotomba, Ndayishimiye, Dante, Bard;
Belahyne, Rosario, Thuram;
Balde, Guessand, Laborde
Metz: (4-3-3)
Oukidja;
Colin, Traore, Lo, Udol;
N’Doram, N’Duquidi, N’Guessan;
Diallo, Mbaye, Sabaly
Prediction: Nice 1-0 Metz
Not having their top goalscorer in Moffi available will be difficult for Nice, but Les Aiglons have proven countless times over this campaign that they can hold down the fort and grind out a victory.
As for Metz, they seem low on confidence and struggling to find solutions in the attack, and we believe they will have a difficult time breaking down a defensive unit as stable as Nice.
