Nice vs Lyon: Preview and Prediction

Nice vs Lyon
French Ligue 1
Date: Friday, 14th October
Kick-Off at 19:45 BST
Venue: Allianz Riviera, Nice.

Ligue 1 leaders Nice will take on seasoned veterans Lyon on Friday night in what should be an interesting fixture. Most French media expect Nice’s winning run to stop and for other more experienced teams to take over at the top, but they have been thinking that for a month now.

Nice has an excellent work rate and will try and pull clear at the top with victory over the very haphazard Lyon. Nice have the best home record in the league where from a possible 15 points they have earned 13 and are unbeaten at home. Indeed Nice remain the only team unbeaten in the league. The good news for Nice was seeing Mario Balotelli’s red card overturned and the Italian who has made a huge impression since joining the club will be available.

Lyon has been very inconsistent where they don’t seem able to get a good run going. They looked excellent against St Etienne in their last game but that was at home. Away from home Lyon have won just once all season. The visitors will be boosted by the fact that Alexandre Lacazette has been cleared fit to play after injury but he may start from the bench.

Nice vs Lyon: Head-to-Head Stats

Last season Nice won this fixture by 3-0. Previous seasons have seen Lyon dominant though but that tide may be turning as the last two matches between the two has seen no victories for Lyon. Based on past results there is a 70% chance that we will see at least 3 goals or more.

Nice vs Lyon: Prediction

Nice will understand that they need to keep a good home record to have any chance to remain in 1st position. Lyon can’t afford to fall behind by more points as the difference is already 7 to Nice. This match could well end up ending all square.