Nice vs Brest Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 1 February

Nice will face Brest in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter at the Allianz Riviera on Sunday, 1 February. This match is pivotal for both teams as they look to solidify their positions in the league standings. As we delve into the prediction, match preview, and betting tips, it is clear that both sides have much at stake, with Nice aiming to leverage their home advantage.

The Allianz Riviera will set the stage for this exciting clash, where Nice will hope to capitalise on their familiarity with the venue. Brest, on the other hand, will be eager to upset the hosts and gain valuable points. Both teams have shown competitive form in recent matches, making this showdown one to watch for fans and bettors alike. With the stakes high, our prediction, match preview, and betting tips will provide insights into potential outcomes.

Nice vs Brest Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Over 2.5 goals	1.85

Given the attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, our betting tip is to back Over 2.5 goals in this match. The statistics indicate that Nice struggle to keep clean sheets and Brest have shown they can exploit such weaknesses effectively.

• Nice have both scored and conceded frequently, averaging 2 goals conceded per game in the league.
• The previous encounter between these teams resulted in a high-scoring 4-1 win for Brest.
• Both teams tend to score most of their goals in the latter stages of the game, increasing the likelihood of a high goal total.

Betting Odds

Nice are stepping onto the Allianz Riviera pitch as the favourites with betting odds of 2.11, but do not count out Brest just yet, as their odds of 3.47 suggest they could spring a surprise. The draw is also an enticing option at 3.35, reflecting the potential for a closely contested match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Nice to Win	2.11
Draw	3.35
Brest to Win	3.47

For those looking to place a wager, consider the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ recent form in front of goal. Nice’s home advantage might just give them the edge, but Brest’s resilience could make this a thrilling encounter.

Nice Analysis & Past Performance

Nice’s recent form has been mixed, featuring a combination of victories and defeats. In their last five matches, Nice managed to secure three wins and suffered two losses. Their impressive 4-1 victory against Nantes in Ligue 1 highlights their attacking capabilities, with Sofiane Diop playing a crucial role, having scored seven goals this season.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Ludogorets Razgrad	Nice	1 – 0 (Loss)	Europa League	29 Jan 2026
Nantes	Nice	1 – 4 (Win)	Ligue 1	25 Jan 2026
Nice	Go Ahead Eagles	3 – 1 (Win)	Europa League	22 Jan 2026
Toulouse	Nice	5 – 1 (Loss)	Ligue 1	17 Jan 2026
Nantes	Nice	N/A	Coupe de France	11 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LWWLW

Nice’s offensive prowess has been evident, averaging 2.80 goals per game in their last five fixtures. Despite this, defensive vulnerabilities are apparent, as they have conceded an average of 2.40 goals per match during the same period. The absence of clean sheets in these encounters further underscores their defensive challenges. Notably, Nice’s home form has been stronger, with a win ratio of 40% at the Allianz Riviera, compared to their overall 60% win ratio in recent outings.

Nice Suspensions & Injuries

Nice face a challenging scenario with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Mohamed Abdelmonem, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, and Moise Bombito are all dealing with significant injuries, notably cruciate ligament injuries and a broken ankle, which are expected to keep them out until early February. This absence could lead to a reshuffling at the back, with Kojo Peprah Oppong and Ali Abdi expected to step up in defence. The midfield also faces a potential reshuffle, although the presence of Salis Abdul Samed and Charles Vanhoutte provides some stability.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Juma Bah	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

The suspension of Juma Bah due to yellow card accumulation means Nice will need to adjust their defensive strategy. While Bah’s absence is a blow, the return of Jonathan Clauss in defence should help mitigate the impact. This situation may see Sofiane Diop taking on additional defensive responsibilities, ensuring that the team’s balance remains intact.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mohamed Abdelmonem	Cruciate ligament injury	Early February 2026
Youssouf Ndayishimiye	Cruciate ligament injury	Early February 2026
Moise Bombito	Broken ankle	Early February 2026

These absences might influence betting markets, as Nice’s depth is tested. The team’s ability to adapt tactically will be crucial, particularly as they face Brest. With a solid attacking lineup, led by Elye Wahi, Nice will aim to compensate for these defensive losses by maintaining pressure in the forward areas.

Nice Key Players

Sofiane Diop, with seven goals to his name, stands out as Nice’s top scorer and a pivotal figure in their attacking line-up. His knack for finding the net from midfield provides a dual threat, combining goal-scoring prowess with playmaking abilities. Diop’s role is crucial as he often links up with forward Elye Wahi, who is expected to lead the line. Wahi’s physicality and pace can stretch defences, creating spaces for Diop and others to exploit.

In the heart of midfield, Salis Abdul Samed offers a robust presence, breaking up opposition play and setting the tempo for Nice. His partnership with Morgan Sanson could be instrumental in controlling the midfield battle. Defensively, Jonathan Clauss and Ali Abdi are expected to offer width and support in both defensive duties and attacking transitions.

Expected lineup for Nice:

• Goalkeeper: Maxime Dupe
• Defence: Jonathan Clauss, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Ali Abdi, Antoine Mendy
• Midfield: Salis Abdul Samed, Charles Vanhoutte, Mohamed-Ali Cho, Morgan Sanson, Sofiane Diop
• Forward: Elye Wahi

Nice Tactics and Formation

Nice Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Elye Wahi
• Midfield Pivot: Salis Abdul Samed and Charles Vanhoutte
• Defensive Strength: Struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding goals in their last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and wing play.

Nice’s implementation of a 4-2-3-1 formation provides a balanced approach between defence and attack. The midfield pairing of Salis Abdul Samed and Charles Vanhoutte is crucial, offering both defensive cover and facilitating transitions. Sofiane Diop, the team’s top scorer, operates from the wing, providing creative spark and goal-scoring prowess.

Defensively, Nice face challenges with consistency, having conceded in each of their last five games. The backline, featuring players like Jonathan Clauss and Ali Abdi, must tighten up to prevent further leaks. Maxime Dupe in goal is tasked with organising the defence and improving their clean sheet record.

Offensively, Nice leverage quick wing play and the creativity of Morgan Sanson in the central attacking role. Elye Wahi, as the lone striker, will be pivotal in capitalising on chances created by the midfield and wingers. Their ability to control the midfield and transition quickly will be key against Brest.

Brest Analysis & Past Performance

Brest have struggled to find consistent form in recent matches, with their last five games featuring a solitary win alongside four losses. The most recent defeat came against Toulouse, where they suffered a 0-2 loss at home, highlighting issues in both attack and defence.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Brest	Toulouse	0 – 2 (Defeat)	Ligue 1	25 Jan 2026
Lyon	Brest	2 – 1 (Defeat)	Ligue 1	18 Jan 2026
Brest	Auxerre	2 – 0 (Victory)	Ligue 1	4 Jan 2026
Avranches	Brest	N/A	Coupe de France	19 Dec 2025
Rennes	Brest	3 – 1 (Defeat)	Ligue 1	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LLWLL

Brest’s attacking output has been moderate, with an average of 1.00 goals per game in their last five fixtures. However, their defence has been a concern, conceding 1.40 goals on average per match, which has led to three games where both teams scored. Away from home, Brest’s performance has been particularly poor, with only one win in their last five away matches, resulting in a win ratio of 0.20. Moreover, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in these games.

Brest Suspensions & Injuries

Brest face a challenging situation with injuries to two key players. Mama Baldé’s shin injury sidelines him for approximately one to two weeks, which could impact Brest’s attacking options. His absence might necessitate a more conservative approach, relying heavily on Ludovic Ajorque to spearhead the attack. Bradley Locko is also out with a hamstring issue, expected to be unavailable for several weeks, potentially weakening the defensive line and requiring tactical adjustments to cover his position.

These injuries could force Éric Roy to adjust Brest’s typical 4-2-3-1 formation. With Baldé’s absence, there may be an increased reliance on midfielders like Kamory Doumbia and Lucas Tousart to provide creativity and support to Ajorque. The defence will need to be vigilant, with Daouda Guindo likely to play a more pivotal role in Locko’s stead.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mama Baldé	Shin injury	Approximately 1-2 weeks
Bradley Locko	Hamstring injury	Several weeks

The absence of Mama Baldé and Bradley Locko might also have betting implications. With Brest potentially less potent in attack and slightly vulnerable defensively, the odds could shift in favour of Nice, especially at the Allianz Riviera where Nice have been historically strong. Bettors will need to consider these factors when evaluating Brest’s chances in the upcoming match.

Brest Key Players

Brest’s top scorer Romain Del Castillo, with six goals to his name, is crucial to their attacking play. His ability to exploit spaces and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat to opposition defences. Del Castillo’s partnership with Ludovic Ajorque in the forward line will be pivotal, as Ajorque provides a physical presence and aerial threat that can unsettle Nice’s defence.

Midfield orchestrator Lucas Tousart is another key player, offering both defensive solidity and transition play. His ability to break up opposition attacks and initiate counter-attacks will be essential to Brest’s tactical approach. Alongside him, Hugo Magnetti’s energy and ball-winning skills will be vital in controlling the midfield battle.

Expected lineup for Brest:

• Goalkeeper: Grégoire Coudert
• Defence: Kenny Lala, Brendan Chardonnet, Soumaïla Coulibaly, Daouda Guindo
• Midfield: Joris Chotard, Hugo Magnetti, Kamory Doumbia, Lucas Tousart, Rémy Lascary
• Forward: Ludovic Ajorque

Brest Tactics and Formation

Brest Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Ludovic Ajorque
• Midfield Pivot: Joris Chotard and Hugo Magnetti
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and structured build-up play.

Brest’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to provide balance between attack and defence. In midfield, Joris Chotard and Hugo Magnetti serve as the double pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. Lucas Tousart, Kamory Doumbia, and Rémy Lascary play more advanced roles, aiming to link up with the lone striker, Ludovic Ajorque.

Defensively, Brest rely on a back four led by Brendan Chardonnet and Soumaïla Coulibaly at the heart of the defence. Full-backs Kenny Lala and Daouda Guindo are expected to contribute both defensively and offensively, offering width and support in transitions.

Offensively, Brest aim to control possession and implement structured build-up play, though they have struggled to convert possession into goals, as evidenced by their recent 0-2 loss to Toulouse. Maintaining defensive discipline will be crucial, as they have only managed one clean sheet in their last five outings.

Nice vs Brest Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Nice and Brest, Nice have the upper hand with nine wins compared to Brest’s five, alongside seven draws. The last encounter saw Brest thrash Nice 4-1 at home in a Ligue 1 fixture, showing their capability to cause an upset.

When Nice hosted Brest last time at the Allianz Riviera, they delivered a stunning 6-0 victory, highlighting their dominance on home turf. Historically, Nice have been strong when playing at home against Brest, which could be a key factor in this upcoming match.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Brest	Nice	4 – 1	Ligue 1	2025-09-20
Nice	Brest	6 – 0	Ligue 1	2025-05-17
Brest	Nice	0 – 1	Ligue 1	2024-11-02
Brest	Nice	0 – 0	Ligue 1	2024-02-04
Nice	Brest	0 – 0	Ligue 1	2023-10-01