Nice vs Monaco Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 8 February

On Sunday, 8 February, the Allianz Riviera will host an intriguing Ligue 1 clash between Nice and Monaco. As both teams vie for supremacy in the French top flight, this encounter promises to be a pivotal moment in their respective campaigns. The phrase ‘Nice vs Monaco Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips’ captures the essence of this matchup, offering insights into what could be a closely contested battle.

Nice will be looking to capitalise on their home advantage at the Allianz Riviera, while Monaco aim to secure crucial points on the road. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, making this fixture a must-watch for fans and bettors alike. With the stakes high in Ligue 1, the outcome of this match could have significant implications for the standings, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings.

Nice vs Monaco Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Monaco -1.50 (Asian Handicap)	3.75

Monaco look well positioned to cover a -1.5 Asian Handicap against Nice. Their pace, attacking depth, and ability to exploit space on the counter give them a clear edge. Nice can struggle defensively against high-quality opposition, and if Monaco impose their rhythm early, a two-goal or bigger away win is very achievable.

• Monaco’s quick transitions and strong wing play can easily exploit Nice’s defensive vulnerabilities.
• Nice have struggled against structured, high-intensity teams, making it easier for Monaco to control the game.
• If Monaco score early, they can dictate the tempo and extend their lead, making a two-goal win likely.

Betting Odds

In this intriguing Ligue 1 clash, Monaco are tipped as favourites with betting odds of 2.14, reflecting their strong form this season. Nice, playing at home, are priced at 3.03, suggesting a tight contest at the Allianz Riviera.

Betting Tip	Odds
Nice to win	3.03
Draw	3.77
Monaco to win	2.14

The draw is also an enticing option at 3.77, especially considering the recent head-to-head results between these two sides. For those looking at goal markets, both teams have shown attacking prowess, making the over 2.5 goals market worth a look.

Nice Analysis & Past Performance

Nice have demonstrated a mixed bag of performances in their recent outings. Over their last five matches, Nice have secured three victories, one draw, and suffered one loss, showcasing a 60% win ratio. Notably, their attacking prowess has been evident as they have scored a total of 12 goals, averaging 2.40 goals per match, although they have not kept a clean sheet, conceding seven goals across these games.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nice	Montpellier	3 – 2 (Win)	Coupe de France	4 Feb 2026
Nice	Brest	2 – 2 (Draw)	Ligue 1	1 Feb 2026
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

Recent Form:

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The team’s performance at home has been particularly strong, as they remain unbeaten in their last five home fixtures, winning three and drawing two. This form at the Allianz Riviera has been crucial, with their home win ratio standing at 60%. Despite the lack of clean sheets, their ability to consistently score, led by top scorer Sofiane Diop with seven goals this season, has been a key factor in their recent success. However, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, with an average of 1.40 goals conceded per game, highlighting the need for tighter defensive coordination.

Nice Suspensions & Injuries

Nice face some significant challenges ahead of their clash with Monaco due to injuries to key players. Mohamed Abdelmonem and Youssouf Ndayishimiye are sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries, both expected to return by mid-February. This absence could impact Nice’s defensive solidity, as Abdelmonem’s presence has been pivotal at the back. Moïse Bombito’s broken ankle further depletes their defensive options, pushing the team to potentially rely on less experienced players.

Melvin Bard’s groin injury, also expected to keep him out until mid-February, adds to the team’s woes, particularly affecting Nice’s ability to maintain width and pace on the flanks. Coach Claude Puel will likely have to reshuffle his tactical setup, possibly giving more responsibility to players like Ali Abdi to cover these gaps.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mohamed Abdelmonem	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid February 2026
Youssouf Ndayishimiye	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid February 2026
Moïse Bombito	Broken ankle	Late February 2026
Melvin Bard	Groin injury	Mid February 2026

The depth of Nice’s squad will be tested, and these injuries could have significant betting implications, potentially tilting odds in Monaco’s favour. With these key players unavailable, Nice may adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining a solid defensive structure against a formidable Monaco attack.

Nice Key Players

Sofiane Diop stands out as Nice’s top scorer with 7 goals this season, making him a pivotal figure in their attacking lineup. Diop’s ability to find the back of the net from various positions on the pitch adds a versatile threat to Nice’s forward line. His partnership with Elye Wahi, who is expected to join him in the attack, could prove decisive against Monaco’s defence. Wahi’s pace and movement off the ball complement Diop’s clinical finishing, creating a dynamic duo capable of breaking down the opposition’s backline.

The midfield trio of Charles Vanhoutte, Morgan Sanson, and Salis Abdul Samed will be crucial in dictating the tempo of the game. Sanson’s experience and vision provide a steadying influence, while Abdul Samed’s energy and Vanhoutte’s ball distribution are key to transitioning from defence to attack. At the back, the veteran leadership of Dante alongside Jonathan Clauss will be vital in organising the defence and maintaining composure under pressure.

Expected lineup for Nice:

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

Nice Tactics and Formation

Nice Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Sofiane Diop
• Midfield Pivot: Charles Vanhoutte and Morgan Sanson
• Defensive Record: Zero clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing with emphasis on wide play.

Nice’s 4-3-3 formation under Claude Puel is designed to maximise their attacking prowess, especially through the wings. The trio of Mohamed-Ali Cho, Elye Wahi, and top scorer Sofiane Diop in the forward line ensures a constant threat, with Diop’s ability to exploit spaces being crucial. The midfield, anchored by Charles Vanhoutte and Morgan Sanson, provides a blend of defensive cover and forward thrust, crucial for transitioning play.

Defensively, Nice have struggled to keep clean sheets, with none in their last five outings. The backline, featuring veterans like Dante, relies on experience but has been vulnerable to quick counterattacks, often conceding goals due to lapses in concentration.

Offensively, Nice employ a high pressing system, aiming to regain possession quickly and exploit the flanks. This approach, combined with their wide players’ pace, allows them to create numerous scoring opportunities, evidenced by their average of 2.40 goals per game over the last five matches.

Monaco Analysis & Past Performance

Monaco’s recent form has been inconsistent, as evidenced by their last five matches, where they’ve secured only one victory, two draws, and suffered two defeats. Notably, their solitary win came in a dominant 4-0 display against Rennes, highlighting their potential when in form. However, their recent 1-3 loss to Strasbourg in the Coupe de France underlines their vulnerability, particularly in defence.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Strasbourg	Monaco	3 – 1 (Loss)	French Cup	5 Feb 2026
Monaco	Rennes	4 – 0 (Win)	Ligue 1	31 Jan 2026
Monaco	Juventus	0 – 0 (Draw)	Champions League	28 Jan 2026
Le Havre	Monaco	0 – 0 (Draw)	Ligue 1	24 Jan 2026
Real Madrid	Monaco	6 – 1 (Loss)	Champions League	20 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Monaco’s attacking prowess is apparent, averaging 1.20 goals per game over their last five matches. Ansu Fati stands out as a key player, leading the team’s scoring chart with seven goals this season. Despite this, their defence has been leaky, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per match recently, with only two clean sheets in their last five outings. This defensive fragility is a significant concern, especially away from home, where their win ratio drops to 40%.

The team’s overall standing in the league is mid-table, positioned 10th with 27 points. This reflects a side that has struggled to find consistency, with a win ratio of just 20% in their last ten games. Monaco’s ability to bounce back from setbacks and tighten their defensive ranks will be crucial as they seek to improve their standing in the league.

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Monaco Suspensions & Injuries

Monaco face the challenge of several key absentees due to injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical setup against Nice. The absence of Paul Pogba is particularly noteworthy, as his midfield presence and experience are invaluable to the team. With Pogba expected to return in about 1-2 weeks, Monaco will need to find ways to cover his influential role. The midfield will likely see Mamadou Coulibaly and Kassoum Ouattara stepping up to fill the void, though neither can fully replicate Pogba’s creativity and control.

The absence of Takumi Minamino, sidelined with a long-term cruciate ligament injury, further reduces Monaco’s attacking options. Minamino’s pace and ability to break defensive lines will be missed, potentially leading to a reliance on Maghnes Akliouche and Aleksandr Golovin to provide the attacking impetus. The defensive department also suffers with Lukas Hrádecký and Mohammed Salisu out, requiring adjustments in the backline, where Thilo Kehrer and Denis Zakaria are expected to maintain stability.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Paul Pogba	Calf injury	About 1-2 weeks
Takumi Minamino	Cruciate ligament injury	Early September 2026
Christian Mawissa	Hamstring injury	Mid February 2026
Lukas Hrádecký	Knee injury	Mid February 2026
Mohammed Salisu	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Eric Dier	Thigh injury	A few weeks
Wout Faes	Ankle injury	A few weeks

With no suspensions affecting the squad, Monaco can at least count on a full complement of available players from the lineup. The tactical approach will need to be carefully considered by coach Sébastien Pocognoli, who might opt for a more conservative strategy to mitigate the impact of these injuries. This could influence betting markets, as Monaco’s depth and ability to adapt without key players will be tested in this fixture.

Monaco Key Players

Monaco’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer Ansu Fati, who has netted 7 goals this season. Fati’s dynamic playstyle, marked by his agility and sharp finishing, makes him a constant threat to any defence. His ability to find space and create opportunities will be vital in breaking down Nice’s defensive setup. Supporting Fati in the forward line are Maghnes Akliouche and Aleksandr Golovin, both of whom bring creativity and technical skill, forming a formidable attacking trio.

In midfield, Krépin Diatta and Mamadou Coulibaly are expected to play crucial roles. Diatta’s pace and ability to transition from defence to attack can be pivotal, while Coulibaly’s strength in holding the midfield ensures stability and control. Defensively, Thilo Kehrer and Denis Zakaria’s partnership is essential in maintaining Monaco’s defensive solidity, with their tactical awareness and ability to read the game.

Expected lineup for Monaco:

• Goalkeeper: Philipp Köhn
• Defence: Jordan Teze, Denis Zakaria, Thilo Kehrer
• Midfield: Krépin Diatta, Mamadou Coulibaly, Kassoum Ouattara, Lamine Camara
• Forward: Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Biereth, Aleksandr Golovin

Monaco Tactics and Formation

Monaco Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Aleksandr Golovin
• Midfield Pivot: Mamadou Coulibaly and Kassoum Ouattara
• Defensive Structure: Struggled for clean sheets, conceding in three of the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Utilising width with wing-backs and dynamic forward play.

Monaco’s 3-4-3 formation allows for a fluid attacking approach, leveraging the creativity of Aleksandr Golovin in the forward line. The midfield pivot of Mamadou Coulibaly and Kassoum Ouattara provides a balance between defensive coverage and transition play, crucial for maintaining possession and launching attacks.

Defensively, the trio of Jordan Teze, Denis Zakaria, and Thilo Kehrer forms the backbone, yet the side have struggled to maintain clean sheets, highlighting a vulnerability that opponents could exploit. The wing-backs, Krépin Diatta and Lamine Camara, are tasked with both defensive duties and providing width on the attack.

Offensively, Monaco’s strategy revolves around dynamic forward play and exploiting spaces created by wide players. The absence of creative forces like Takumi Minamino due to injury means reliance on Golovin and Maghnes Akliouche for goals, which could impact their attacking fluidity against a well-organised defence.

Nice vs Monaco Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Nice and Monaco shows Monaco with the upper hand, boasting 22 wins to Nice’s 16, alongside 12 draws. Their last encounter ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Monaco’s home ground in October 2025, showcasing the competitive nature of this fixture.

In Ligue 1, these teams have faced off regularly, with Monaco often having the edge. However, Nice managed a 2-1 victory the last time they hosted Monaco at the Allianz Riviera in October 2024, indicating they can hold their own at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Monaco	Nice	2 – 2	Ligue 1	2025-10-05
Monaco	Nice	2 – 1	Ligue 1	2025-03-29
Nice	Monaco	2 – 1	Ligue 1	2024-10-27
Nice	Monaco	2 – 3	Ligue 1	2024-02-11
Monaco	Nice	0 – 1	Ligue 1	2023-09-22