Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what is a heavyweight Serie A showdown on Saturday night, Monaco will welcome Nice to the Stade Louis II.
Monaco
Starting with the hosts, while Monaco might mark their return from March’s international break sat in the driving seat to claim another Champions League ticket in 2025, it is no secret that Aid Hutter’s side are still searching for some kind of stability. Despite heading into the fortnight interval by collecting seven points from their final three Ligue 1 appearances, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss has found some reported scrutiny over his position at the Stade Louis II. Watching their European adventure come to an end last month as they fell to an action-packed 4-3 aggregate defeat against Portuguese giants Benfica, Monaco have failed to register consecutive Ligue 1 victories since November. However, despite those inconsistencies, it is worth noting that Hutter’s camp have won five of their last six showdowns at the Stade Louis II across all competitions.
Monaco Team News
While Aleksandr Golovin might have not made a single domestic appearance since the start of February, Monaco are hopeful that the Russian international will be able to return here. However, dealing with what has been a major injury nightmare this season, former Arsenal starlet Florian Balogun is not expected to play any part.
Enjoying what has been a sensational run since arriving from Strum Graz during the January transfer window and notching 11 goals in his first nine Ligue 1 appearances, the red-hot Mika Biereth will looking to extend on his record-breaking start this weekend.
Nice
As for the visitors, while Nice might have been forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against Auxerre when heading into March’s international break, the Eaglets are enjoying what has been an extended flurry since opening the New Year. Getting March underway with a 3-1 romp away at St. Etienne, Franck Haise’s men find just their goal difference keeping them outside the Champions League spots. Suffering just a sole defeat from any of their last eight Ligue 1 appearances, the former Lens boss will also be excited by his most recent meeting against Saturday’s hosts. Landing a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Monaco to the Allianz Riviera on October 27th, it should also be noted that Nice have notched consecutive Ligue 1 wins on their travels for the first time this season.
Nice Team News
Shown a late red card against Auxerre prior to the fortnight interval, former Lyon defender Melvin Bard will miss out through suspension here. However, Nice are hopeful that ex-Tottenam star Tanguy Ndombele will be able to recover from a groin issue in time to play some part.
Complying a loan switch from Rennes during the January transfer window, Baptiste Santamaria will start in the middle of the park. Notching seven domestic strikes so far this calendar year, Gaetan Laborde will spearhead Nice’s attack.
Monaco vs Nice Key Factors to Consider
- When Monaco and Nice met for their reverse Ligue 1 showdown on October 27th, the Eaglets collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- Monaco have failed to record consecutive Ligue 1 victories since back in November.
- However, Saturday’s hosts have won five of their previous six showdowns at the Stade Louis II across all competitions.
- January recruit Mika Biereth has registered 11 Ligue 1 goals in his first nine appearances.
- Three of the last meetings between Monaco and Nice have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Two sides who mark their return from March’s international break separated by just their goal difference, we could be treated to a season-defining showdown on Saturday night. Watching Nice land a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Monaco to the Allianz Riviera for their reverse Ligue 1 meeting on October 27th, the French giants do have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. With Saturday’s guests seeing each of their last four away fixtures finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
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