Nice vs Strasbourg Prediction & Betting Tips (3 January)

The year opens with a new coach in Nice. Franck Haise left his position and saw Claude Puel succeed him to carry out the operation to reconquer a team still in crisis despite its qualification for the round of 16 of the Coupe de France, before Christmas, against Saint-Etienne L2; 2-1. This result ended a heavy series of 9 defeats. Damaged by PSG 1-0, Metz 2-1, Marseille 1-5, Lorient 3-1, Angers 0-1 and more recently Lens 2-0 in the Championship, the 13th-ranked Gym was thrown out of the race for European qualification and attracted the wrath of its supporters. Nice is the penultimate defense in Ligue 1, with 29 goals conceded in 16 days. Unable to win since the beginning of November, Strasbourg 7th is also faltering in the Championship but has not lost hope of qualifying for a European competition in the spring.

Racing at least stopped a series of 3 defeats in the exercise on the last day, at Meinau against Lorient 0-0, and shows a loss of 4 units on the top 5. At the top of the Conference League ranking after having completed the league phase with a success against Breidablik 3-1, it was more successful on the continental scene and will be there in the round of 16. The Alsatian club also reassured in the Coupe de France during its last match in 2025. Its victory over Dunkerque L2; 2-1 opened the doors to the 16th finals. 

Claude Puel will have to tinker for his big premiere. While the potential holder Louchet (midfielder or right piston) serves his last match of suspension, Ndayishimiye, Bombito and Abdelmonem remain unavailable for the long term and the veteran Dante (42 years old), often slowed down by painful knees, is uncertain. There are also doubts around Moffi and Boga (2 goals each in L1) after their sick leave caused by physical violence received from supporters. Finally, the absence of executives Diouf (1st goalkeeper), Mendy, Abdi (defenders) and Boudaoui (midfielder), all involved in the African Cup of Nations with their respective selections, will not help the coach's affairs. It will be interesting to see if Wahi, whose loan from Frankfurt will come to fruition, will be available for this part. His arrival in an offensive sector where Diop (6 goals in L1) is too lonely could revive the club in the second half of the season.

 In Strasbourg, the serial scorer Emegha (7 goals including 4 in L1), and the long-term absentees Sow and Oyedele are a priori too fair for the resumption. Racing is also without its starting defenders Guéla Doué (Ivory Coast) and Sarr (Senegal), still competing in the African Cup of Nations. To recover in the standings, the club will have to count on a great Panichelli. The Argentinian, author of 9 goals in the Championship, has not scored on the national scene over the last 6 days. 

• Summary: Nice is going head to head with RC Strasbourg starting on 3 Jan 2026 at 18:00 UTC at Allianz Riviera stadium, Nice city, France. The match is a part of the Ligue 1 .
• Referee: Clement Turpin
• Nice Feedinco Rating: 6.73
• Strasbourg Feedinco Rating: 6.82