When AS Monaco host OGC Nice at Stade Louis‑II on , French Ligue 1 fans will be eyeing a clash that could reshape the top‑half of the table. The fixture, part of Round 7, will be overseen by referee Willy Delajod, and both sides arrive with contrasting fortunes – the Principality club sitting fourth, Nice languishing in twelfth.
Season Snapshot: Where the Teams Stand
Monaco’s early‑season surge – four wins out of six, twelve points and a +4 goal difference – has them perched in fourth place, a comfortable gap from the relegation zone but still chasing a European slot. Nice, on the other hand, have scraped together two wins, a draw and three defeats, leaving them with seven points and a –3 goal difference. The disparity in recent form is evident: Monaco’s run reads W‑L‑W‑W‑W‑L, while Nice’s pattern is L‑W‑L‑W‑L‑D.
Starting XI and Tactical Blueprint
Monaco will line up in a 4‑2‑3‑1. Goalkeeper Philipp Köhn is expected between the sticks, backed by a back four of Krepin Diatta, Eric Dier, Mohammed Salisu and Kassoum Ouattara. The double pivot features Jordan Teze and Mamadou Coulibaly, while the attacking trio of Maghnes Akliouche, Takumi Minamino and Ansu Fati will support striker Mika Biereth. The Principality’s manager has hinted at a high‑press approach, using Minamino’s work‑rate to force turnovers.
Nice’s manager prefers a 4‑4‑2 set‑up. Yehvann Diouf guards the goal, with a defensive line of Antoine Mendy, Moise Bombito, Melvin Bard and Jonathan Clauss. The midfield quartet of Hicham Boudaoui, Charles Vanhoutte, Ali Abdi and Mohamed‑Ali Cho will aim to feed the strike partnership of Sofiane Diop and Terem Moffi. Nice’s plan revolves around quick transitions and exploiting any space left by Monaco’s advanced full‑backs.
Head‑to‑Head: History and Recent Encounters
Overall, the rivalry has swung heavily in Monaco’s favor: 23 wins, 14 losses and 10 draws across 47 meetings since 2004. The most recent clash on March 29, 2025, saw Monaco edge Nice 2‑1, with Mika Biereth scoring in the 55th minute and Breel Embolo adding a winner in the 73rd. Nice’s lone goal came from Jérémie Boga at 41 minutes, while a late red card for Dante (90+1) capped a tense finish.
In the last five meetings, Monaco have taken three wins, one draw and one loss, averaging 1.4 goals per game while conceding 1.2. Nice, despite a superior scoring rate in their last five matches (2.4 per game), have been less consistent against the Principality.
Injury Bulletin and Availability
Monaco’s squad will miss Tanguy Ndombélé, who is battling a hernia that is expected to keep him out until late October. Gabin Bernardeau is also absent on international duty, leaving the midfield a shade thinner. Nice’s injury list is comparatively lighter; however, the defensive partnership of Mendy and Bombito has been nagged by minor strains, a factor the coach will monitor.
What the Numbers Say
- Monaco: 4‑0‑2, 14 goals for, 10 against, +4 GD, 12 points.
- Nice: 2‑1‑3, 7 goals for, 10 against, –3 GD, 7 points.
- Head‑to‑head record: Monaco 23‑14‑10.
- Recent form (last 5): Monaco W‑L‑W‑W‑W, Nice L‑W‑L‑W‑D.
- Key absentees: Tanguy Ndombélé (Monaco), Gabin Bernardeau (Monaco).
Prediction & Betting Angles
Given Monaco’s superior home record and the firepower of Biereth and Embolo, most bookmakers are nudging the odds toward a Monaco win – typically around 2.10. That said, Nice’s ability to score two‑plus goals per game this season means the over/under market (2.5 goals) will be lively. Punters watching the midfield battle should keep an eye on couplings like Teze vs. Boudaoui; a win for Monaco could hinge on who wins that central duel.
Key Takeaways for Fans
The match is more than three points; it’s a litmus test for Monaco’s European ambitions and a chance for Nice to climb out of the bottom‑half. If Mika Biereth finds the net early, the Principality could lock the game down. Conversely, a quick strike from Sofiane Diop could force Monaco to chase, exposing gaps left by Ndombélé’s absence.
Event Details
Monaco vs Nice Ligue 1 MatchStade Louis‑II
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this match affect Monaco’s European hopes?
A win would push Monaco into the top three, narrowing the gap to the Ligue 1 leaders and strengthening their case for a Europa League spot. Even a draw keeps them within striking distance, but dropped points could see them slip to fifth.
Which players are most likely to decide the outcome?
For Monaco, striker Mika Biereth and forward Breel Embolo have been the main goal threats. Nice will rely on the pace of Terem Moffi and the creativity of Sofiane Diop.
What are the key injury concerns for both sides?
Monaco are without midfielder Tanguy Ndombélé (hernia) and winger Gabin Bernardeau on international duty. Nice have a relatively fit squad, though minor strains on Antoine Mendy could influence defensive stability.
What betting markets are likely to be most active?
The primary win‑draw‑win market leans toward Monaco (around 2.10). Over/under 2.5 goals is hot, given Nice’s recent scoring rate. A special bet on first scorer could also draw interest, with Biereth and Moffi as favorites.
Kasey DellaPenna
October 6, 2025 AT 02:53Grab a seat the excitement is building as Monaco line up to take on Nice they have the momentum and the fans can feel the buzz