Nice vs Lyon Prediction & Betting Tips (18 October)

Stuck in a bad patch, OGC Nice limited the damage before the international break by taking a point from Monaco 2-2, a match in which it led by two goals and played an hour outnumbered. Adding to this a heavy defeat at Brest 4-1, a draw conceded at the end of the match against Paris FC 1-1 and first losses in the Europa League against AS Roma 1-2 and Fenerbahçe 2-1, the Gym remains in 5 matches without a victory in all competitions. The Niçois, 12th in Ligue 1, are closer to the red zone than to the places for Europe. 4th, one point behind the podium teams, Olympique Lyonnais follows the pace of the Parisian leader after 7 days.

However, he remains at a standstill, knocked down at home by Toulouse 1-2 before the international break. Over the previous days, the Rhone club had gleaned 5 successes in 6 outings, all without conceding any goals. Lyon is also involved in the Europa League at the same time and launched its exercise in style, with victories over Utrecht 0-1 and Salzburg 2-0. 

The story of the start of the season repeats itself in Nice. As the infirmary began to gradually empty, the important defender Bombito, victim of a fractured tibia at the start of the month, will be absent from the field for a long time as are already his defensive friends Ndayishimiye (center starter) and Abdelmonem (substitute). The Tunisian piston Abdi, who was making a gradual return to competition, is suspended when Ndombélé (middle), who has been out for several months, is expected to remain on the sidelines although he played again during the break with the reserve team. By scoring a double in Monaco, Diop equaled Moffi's total of goals (3) at the start of the year.

 The long-time absentees Orel Mangala and Nuamah (no matches each) are still missing from Paulo Fonseca who should also continue to compose his group without his number 1 goalkeeper Descamps. Brazilian left-back Abner, who started in the first weeks of the competition, is however hopeful of being back on his feet, especially as Tagliafico has just returned from South America after representing Argentina. The twirling Fofana scored his second goal in the Championship against Toulouse but has not yet found his cruising speed.