Nice vs Lille Prediction & Tips
With just two games remaining in this Ligue 1 campaign, the race to join Europe’s elite next season is coming to an end — and Nice are still in the fight after their 4-2 win over St-Étienne last time out. That makes it three straight league wins for the fourth-placed side, although they failed to lead at halftime in any of those three matches, highlighting that slow starts have been a hurdle they have done well to overcome.
“Les Aiglons” will entertain the Allianz Riviera faithful for the last time this season and will presumably be buoyed after seeing their team go unbeaten in their last six home league clashes (G5, E1), although winning four of those games by a one-goal margin shows they have not always been comfortable. However, a visit from Lille can only boost the home side’s confidence further, as Nice have gone more than a decade without losing a league meeting between them at their stadium (G4, E5).
As for Lille, the back-to-back defeats conclude a run of one win in their last seven league appearances (E2, P4), with the defending champions now struggling just to ensure finishing in the top half. Lille’s Achilles heel stands out in the four defeats, although they have been relentless in scoring first this season, losing just once in the 19 league games in which they have struck first (G11, E7).
“Les Dogues” can be happy that this is the last time they must leave their stadium this campaign after experiencing recent consecutive league defeats playing away from home for the first time since October last year. Back-and-forth battles have been rare on Lille’s travels of late, with only two of their last seven away games seeing both teams score, placing greater importance on trying to get the advantage first.
Players to watch: Nice striker Andy Delort has scored seven of his last eight goals at home, while Lille forward Jonathan David, who has had a poor run of form and failed to find the opposition goal since early March, has opened the scoring in six of the last nine league games in which he has scored.
Key statistic: 11 of Lille’s last 12 league matches have seen the final score be the same as the one recorded at halftime.
Nice – Lille FREE TIPS
OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.25
