Nantes vs Nice Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 25 January

Nantes will face Nice in an intriguing Ligue 1 clash on Sunday, 25 January, at the Stade de la Beaujoire. This match promises to be a compelling encounter as both teams aim to secure valuable points in the league standings. The phrase ‘Nantes vs Nice Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips’ highlights the significance of this fixture, with both sides looking to assert their dominance on the pitch.

Nantes, playing at home, will be eager to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over Nice. Meanwhile, Nice will be determined to challenge their hosts and improve their position in the Ligue 1 table. The Stade de la Beaujoire will set the stage for what could be a pivotal match in the season, with both teams bringing their competitive spirit to the forefront.

Nantes vs Nice Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw	3.42

Considering the current form and league positions of both teams, a draw at full time appears to be the most likely outcome. Both Nantes and Nice have struggled to achieve consistent results, especially in their respective home and away fixtures.

• Nice have not won in their last eight consecutive matches, indicating a lack of form and confidence.
• Nantes tend to concede an average of 1.6 goals per game, suggesting defensive vulnerabilities that Nice could exploit.
• Both teams are closely placed in the league table and are fighting to avoid relegation, making a cautious approach likely from both sides.

Nantes recently secured a surprising 2-0 win away at Marseille, showing they can produce results but still remain inconsistent overall.

Betting Odds

Nantes are set to host Nice in what promises to be an intriguing Ligue 1 clash. The betting odds suggest a closely contested match, with Nice slightly favoured at 2.35. Nantes, playing at home, are priced at 2.89, while the draw is available at 3.42, indicating that the bookmakers expect a competitive affair.

Betting Tip	Odds
Nantes to win	2.89
Draw	3.42
Nice to win	2.35

For those looking to place a bet, consider the potential for a tight game with both teams having a decent chance. The odds reflect a balanced matchup, making markets such as both teams to score and over/under goals worth exploring.

Nantes Analysis & Past Performance

Nantes’ recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches across all competitions. Despite a promising 2-0 victory against Marseille, their recent 1-2 defeat to Paris FC at home highlights ongoing struggles in Ligue 1. Their 1-1 draw against Nice in the Coupe de France, which ended in a penalty shoot-out loss, further underscores their inconsistency at critical moments.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nantes	Paris FC	1 – 2 (Loss)	Ligue 1	18 Jan 2026
Nantes	Nice	N/A	Coupe de France	11 Jan 2026
Marseille	Nantes	0 – 2 (Win)	Ligue 1	4 Jan 2026
Concarneau	Nantes	3 – 5 (Win)	Coupe de France	21 Dec 2025
Angers	Nantes	4 – 1 (Loss)	Ligue 1	12 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LLWWL

Nantes have averaged 2.60 goals per game over their last five fixtures but have conceded an average of 3.00, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. At home, their record is particularly concerning with no wins in their last five outings. Their inability to secure clean sheets regularly—just one in the last five matches—highlights defensive frailties. Matthis Abline remains a crucial attacking outlet, having netted three goals this season, but the team struggles to maintain a defensive balance, leading to their 16th position in the league with just 14 points.

Nantes Suspensions & Injuries

Nantes face a challenging situation with the absence of Fabien Centonze due to a hamstring injury, sidelining him until early February 2026. His absence could significantly affect the team’s defensive stability, given his usual role in the backline. Nantes will likely have to rely more on the versatility of players like Kelvin Amian, who may be tasked with additional defensive responsibilities to fill the gap left by Centonze.

Deiver Machado also suffers from a hamstring injury but is currently listed in the starting lineup. This indicates that he may be playing through the injury or is expected to return sooner than anticipated. His presence is crucial for Nantes’ midfield dynamics, providing both defensive cover and offensive support.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Fabien Centonze	Hamstring Injury	Early February 2026
Deiver Machado	Hamstring Injury	Early February 2026

The tactical impact of these injuries could lead to a more conservative approach from Nantes, potentially shifting to a formation that solidifies the defence while maintaining a compact midfield. This could influence the betting markets, as Nantes may adopt a cautious strategy, potentially lowering goal expectations in the match against Nice.

Nantes Key Players

Nantes will be relying heavily on their top scorer Matthis Abline, who has netted three goals this season, to spearhead their attack against Nice. Abline’s ability to find space and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. His partnership with Youssef El Arabi, who brings experience and a physical presence, could be pivotal in breaking down Nice’s defence. Rémy Cabella, expected to operate just behind the forwards, is the playmaker who can unlock defences with his vision and passing accuracy.

Expected lineup for Nantes

• Goalkeeper: Anthony Lopes
• Defence: Ibrahima Sissoko, Tylel Tati, Nicolas Cozza
• Midfield: Kelvin Amian, Francis Coquelin, Junior Mwanga, Deiver Machado
• Forward: Matthis Abline, Youssef El Arabi, Rémy Cabella

Defensively, the trio of Ibrahima Sissoko, Tylel Tati, and Nicolas Cozza must maintain their composure to withstand any pressure from Nice’s forwards. Sissoko’s strength and aerial ability, combined with Cozza’s tackling prowess, will be crucial in keeping Nantes defensively solid. In midfield, Francis Coquelin’s role as a ball-winner and his distribution skills provide the necessary balance to transition from defence to attack smoothly. Collectively, these players’ tactical impact and individual strengths are essential for Nantes to secure a positive result.

Nantes Tactics and Formation

Nantes Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Matthis Abline
• Midfield Anchors: Francis Coquelin and Junior Mwanga
• Defensive Concerns: Struggled to maintain clean sheets with a high goals conceded average.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and counter-attacking through the flanks.

In their current 3-4-3 formation, Nantes aim to leverage width and quick transitions. The attacking trio of Matthis Abline, Youssef El Arabi, and Rémy Cabella offers a blend of youth and experience, with Abline being the team’s top scorer. The midfield, anchored by Francis Coquelin and Junior Mwanga, is tasked with disrupting opposition play and initiating counter-attacks.

Defensively, Nantes have shown vulnerability, conceding an average of 2.20 goals per match in their last five outings. The back three, comprising Ibrahima Sissoko, Tylel Tati, and Nicolas Cozza, have struggled to maintain clean sheets, which is a concern against a counter-attacking side like Nice.

Offensively, Nantes rely on their wing-backs, Kelvin Amian and Deiver Machado, to provide width and support to the forwards. This strategy is designed to stretch the opposition’s defence and create opportunities through rapid transitions.

Nice Analysis & Past Performance

Nice have exhibited mixed results recently, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five outings. Their recent triumph over Go Ahead Eagles with a 3-1 scoreline in the Europa League reflects their attacking capability, though the heavy 5-1 defeat to Toulouse highlights defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
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
Nice	Strasbourg	1 – 1 (Draw)	Ligue 1	3 Jan 2026
Nice	Saint-Etienne	2 – 1 (Win)	Coupe de France	21 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WLWDW

In their last five matches, Nice have averaged 2.60 goals scored per game, but they have also conceded 2.40 goals on average, indicating a struggle to maintain defensive solidity. Despite scoring in all recent matches, they have failed to keep a clean sheet, underscoring their defensive frailties. Their away form remains a concern, with just one win out of five, suggesting a significant drop in performance when not on home turf.

Nice Suspensions & Injuries

Nice face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. The absence of Mohamed Abdelmonem and Youssouf Ndayishimiye, both suffering from cruciate ligament injuries, is a significant blow to their defensive options. These injuries necessitate a reshuffle in the backline, potentially affecting Nice’s defensive solidity. Moise Bombito’s broken ankle and Dante’s knee injury further compound these issues, limiting the depth available to coach Claude Puel.

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
Dante	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Sofiane Diop	Ankle injury	Early February 2026

In midfield, the loss of Sofiane Diop due to an ankle injury could impact Nice’s creativity and ball progression. However, with Morgan Sanson and Tanguy Ndombele available, there remains hope for maintaining midfield control. The frontline remains largely intact with key players like Elye Wahi and Isak Jansson fit to start, which should help maintain their attacking threat.

These absences might force Nice to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive organisation and counter-attacks. The injuries could also influence betting markets, potentially shifting odds in favour of a more resilient Nantes side, given Nice’s compromised squad depth and tactical adjustments.

Nice Key Players

Nice will be relying heavily on the creative prowess of their midfield, with Tanguy Ndombele expected to play a pivotal role. Known for his exceptional dribbling and passing abilities, Ndombele can unlock defences with his vision, making him a key player in orchestrating the team’s attacks. His partnership with Morgan Sanson in midfield will be crucial in maintaining possession and creating opportunities for the forwards.

In the attacking line, Elye Wahi stands out as a crucial player. With his pace and ability to find space behind defences, Wahi can be a constant threat. His movement off the ball and finishing skills are expected to challenge Nantes’ backline significantly. On the flanks, Isak Jansson’s speed and crossing ability will be vital in stretching the opposition’s defence.

Expected lineup for Nice

• Goalkeeper: Maxime Dupé
• Defence: Jonathan Clauss, Juma Bah, Brad-Hamilton Mantsounga, Ali Abdi
• Midfield: Everton, Tanguy Ndombele, Morgan Sanson
• Forward: Tom Louchet, Elye Wahi, Isak Jansson

Defensively, Jonathan Clauss will be instrumental. His ability to contribute both in defence and attack from the right-back position adds an extra dimension to Nice’s play. Clauss’s overlapping runs and precise deliveries into the box are expected to be a significant tactical advantage. Overall, these key players will be central to Nice’s tactical approach, emphasising quick transitions and exploiting spaces in Nantes’ setup.

Nice Tactics and Formation

Nice Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Elye Wahi
• Midfield Engine: Tanguy Ndombele and Morgan Sanson
• Defensive Resilience: Struggled to keep clean sheets with none in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and midfield control.

Nice’s 4-3-3 formation provides a balanced approach, allowing them to exploit width and maintain possession in midfield. Tanguy Ndombele and Morgan Sanson are pivotal in this setup, providing both defensive cover and creative outlets. Elye Wahi leads the line, supported by wingers Tom Louchet and Isak Jansson, who are tasked with stretching the opposition’s defence.

Defensively, Nice have faced challenges, failing to secure a clean sheet in recent matches. The backline, anchored by Juma Bah and Brad-Hamilton Mantsounga, needs to improve their coordination to reduce goals conceded, which currently averages over two per game.

Offensively, Nice focus on utilising the flanks and quick interchanges between the midfield and forwards. Despite their struggles defensively, their attacking strategy has seen them score in all of their last five games, showcasing their offensive potential.

Nantes vs Nice Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Nantes and Nice is perfectly balanced with 13 wins each and 15 draws. Their most recent encounter was a dramatic Coupe de France match, ending 1-1 before Nice triumphed 5-3 on penalties. In Ligue 1, Nice edged the last meeting 1-0 at home.

When it comes to Ligue 1 clashes, Nantes have shown resilience at home, with their last hosting ending in a 1-1 draw back in October 2024. The overall goal tally is tight too, with Nantes scoring 45 and Nice 47 across all meetings.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nantes	Nice	1 – 1 (Penalty shoot-out: 3 – 5)	French Cup	2026-01-11
Nice	Nantes	1 – 0	Ligue 1	2025-09-13
Nice	Nantes	1 – 2	Ligue 1	2025-04-04
Nantes	Nice	1 – 1	Ligue 1	2024-10-20
Nice	Nantes	1 – 2	Ligue 1	2024-03-31