When OGC Nice host Monaco at the Allianz Riviera on , the clash is being billed as the Derby de la Côte d'Azur. The stakes are clear: Monaco sit second in the Ligue 1 table with 20 points, while Nice linger in eighth with just 10.
Season Context for Both Clubs
Monaco have racked up a perfect 6‑2‑0 record so far – six wins, two draws and no losses – positioning them just three points behind leaders Paris Saint‑Germain. Their goal‑scoring machine, led by Victor Osimhen (who has netted eight times), pairs with a stingy defence that has conceded only eight goals.
Nice, in contrast, have eked out two wins, four defeats and two stalemates. Their six‑point gap from the top reflects a "topsy‑turvy" start that club captain Milan Škriniar described as "a learning curve we’re still climbing".
Statistically, Nice rank sixth in expected goals (xG) with 13.1, while their xGA (expected goals against) sits at 8.9. Their defence has kept two clean sheets – a 25 % clean‑sheet rate – and the side has recorded 37 saves at an 84.1 % save percentage.
Head‑to‑Head History and Recent Encounters
The historical ledger heavily favours Monaco: they have won 21 of the last 46 meetings, while Nice managed 15 victories. Even more telling is Monaco’s unbeaten run in their last five visits to the Allianz Riviera. In the most recent six clashes, Nice have lost three, drawn two and won just one.
Last season’s derby ended 2‑1 to Monaco, a result that reinforced the Principality side’s dominance on French soil. The pattern repeats this year, with experts noting that Monaco’s away form – three consecutive Ligue 1 wins on the road – looks "firing on all cylinders".
Key Players and Tactical Outlook
Between the sticks, Nice will rely on Marcin Bulka, whose reflexes have earned him 14 yellow cards and a solitary red card this season. Monaco counter with Polish shot‑stopper Radoslaw Majecki, who boasts a clean‑sheet rate of 30 % in his five appearances.
Both managers appear set to field attacking line‑ups. Nice’s coach, Frédéric Antonetti, has hinted at a 4‑3‑3 shift to add width, while Monaco’s boss, Didier Deschamps (not to be confused with the French national coach), is expected to stick with a 4‑2‑3‑1 that maximises Osimhen’s central presence.
Moving the ball quickly will be crucial. Nice have averaged 44 shots on target against this season, while Monaco’s recent games have seen both sides score in six of the last seven outings – a sign that defensive rigidity may be out‑spent by attacking intent.
Betting Markets and Expert Predictions
Multiple prediction engines are leaning heavily toward a Monaco win. Sportskeeda predicts a 1‑3 result in favour of the visitors, backing the "Monaco to win" market and suggesting over 2.5 goals. Their betting tip also includes "both teams to score", reflecting the six of Monaco’s last seven matches where both sides found the net.
Forebet, another model, goes a step further, forecasting a 3‑2 scoreline. Both sites point to Monaco’s three‑goal streak in seven of their last eight games – a pattern that bolsters confidence in high‑scoring outcomes.
In the betting world, the odds for a Monaco victory sit around 1.66, while a Nice upset is priced near 5.50. The over 2.5 goals market trades at 1.80, making it an attractive play given both teams’ recent attacking displays.
What the Result Means for the Title Race
If Monaco clinch three points, they close to 23, keeping the pressure on Paris Saint‑Germain and potentially forcing a late‑season sprint for the crown. A win would also mark their fifth straight away victory in Ligue 1, cementing their reputation as a genuinely continental contender.
For Nice, a victory would be a morale‑boosting bounce‑back, lifting them into the top‑six and sharpening their pursuit of European spots. Even a draw could keep them within touching distance of the coveted Europa League places, especially if the leaders stumble in upcoming fixtures.
Broadcast fans can catch the action live on Fubo television. The match kicks off at 17:00 CET, and with both teams eager to assert dominance, the atmosphere at the Allianz Riviera is expected to be electric.
Key Facts
- Match: OGC Nice vs AS Monaco –
- Location: Allianz Riviera, Nice, France
- League position: Monaco 2nd (20 pts), Nice 8th (10 pts)
- Recent form: Monaco W5 (unbeaten), Nice W2 L4 D2
- Betting odds: Monaco win 1.66, Over 2.5 goals 1.80
Frequently Asked Questions
How could a Monaco win affect the Ligue 1 title race?
A victory would lift Monaco to 23 points, narrowing the gap to league leaders Paris Saint‑Germain and putting pressure on other contenders. It would also give them momentum heading into the mid‑season period, where every point becomes crucial.
Which players are key to Nice’s chances of pulling off an upset?
Midfielder Youssouf Fofana and forward Basil Tchouteni have the creative spark Nice needs. Their ability to break down Monaco’s disciplined defence could be the difference‑maker.
What are the most likely betting markets to watch?
Besides the outright winner, the over 2.5 goals market is attractive, given both teams’ recent goal‑rich games. The "both teams to score" market also offers value, with six of Monaco’s last seven matches seeing both sides on the scoresheet.
When and where can fans watch the match?
The derby kicks off at 17:00 CET on Sunday, October 27, and will be streamed live on Fubo television. For those in France, local broadcasters will also carry the game from the Allianz Riviera.
How have recent head‑to‑head results shaped expectations?
Monaco’s unbeaten streak in their last five visits to Nice, combined with a 21‑win advantage in the last 46 meetings, has tilted predictions heavily in their favour. Nice’s recent 50 % loss rate against Monaco adds to the challenge they face.
Comments
vicky fachrudin
While Monaco’s current form is undeniably impressive, it’s worth noting the underlying metrics that could influence the outcome, such as their expected goals per 90 minutes and the defensive solidity they have shown; Nice’s recent clean‑sheet record, albeit modest, suggests they are tightening up at the back. Moreover, the psychological edge of playing at home often translates into a higher pressing intensity, which Nice might leverage to disrupt Monaco’s rhythm. Keep an eye on Victor Osimhen’s positioning – he’s been prolific, but the slightest lapse in defensive marking could be costly. Finally, don’t underestimate the impact of set‑pieces; both teams have aerial threats that could change the scoreline in a flash.
subhashree mohapatra
Monaco’s flawless record looks great on paper, but the hype can blind you to their fragility. Their defence, while solid, has been caught out by quick transitions, and Nice’s counter‑attack could expose that. The odds feel skewed – a 5.5 payout for a Nice win isn’t just a fluke; it reflects real uncertainty. Let’s not write off the underdogs just because the stats say otherwise.
Mansi Bansal
i think monaco has the edge but nice also have some talent that can turn the game, especially with foFana and basil who can make diffrent. also the crowd in riviere can push nice to play better. dont disregrad the history but look at the current form of both sides.
ajay kumar
Monaco looks good but Nice can surprise.
Rohit Bafna
Let’s be clear: the French league is a battlefield and Monaco is currently the most battle‑hardened unit. Their strategic deployment of a 4‑2‑3‑1 maximizes territorial control, while Nice’s tentative 4‑3‑3 shift appears more like a defensive posture than an offensive thrust. The statistical probability matrix heavily favors the Principality side; any deviation from that would require a systemic failure on multiple fronts, which is unlikely. In short, the data, tactics, and momentum all converge on a Monaco victory.
Minal Chavan
The upcoming derby presents a clear illustration of form versus ambition. Monaco’s recent unbeaten streak underscores a consistency that is difficult to disrupt, yet Nice’s gradual improvements hint at potential resilience. Observers should monitor how tactical adjustments influence the flow of the match.
tanay bole
From a statistical standpoint, the over 2.5 goals market appears attractive given both sides’ recent scoring patterns. Additionally, the home advantage for Nice may marginally influence the possession dynamics.
Liz Lessner
Good point about the home crowd, Ajay. While Nice may be the underdog, a well‑executed pressing game could unsettle Monaco’s build‑up and create opening chances for the attackers.
Chance Remien
The philosophical angle here is fascinating: a match is not just a contest of skill but also of narrative. Monaco’s narrative of dominance could be challenged by Nice’s emergent story of resilience. If Nice can rewrite the script, the psychological impact on both teams could be profound. It’s a reminder that data tells part of the tale, but human agency writes the rest.
Anna Lee
Rohit, your confidence in Monaco is bold, yet the beauty of football lies in its unpredictability! The crowd’s energy, the tactical tweaks, and even a stray ball can tilt the scales dramatically-never count out that underdog spark.
Reid Vance
Chance makes a solid point about the narrative, and it’s worth adding that Nice’s recent training methods have focused on rapid transitions, which could catch Monaco off‑guard. Also, the weather conditions on the day might affect ball speed, subtly favoring teams with high press. Keep these variables in mind when assessing the odds.
Javier cox
Agreed, the tactical nuances will be key. Both managers have shown flexibility this season, so we might see unexpected line‑ups.
Giacinta Pace
What a thrilling matchup this promises to be! The derby atmosphere in Nice always brings out the passion of the fans, and that energy can lift the home side beyond their usual performance levels. Monaco, on the other hand, rides high on confidence after a string of impressive away victories, which can be a double‑edged sword; confidence can lead to complacency if not managed well. Both teams have shown a knack for finding the back of the net, so the over 2.5 goals market looks tempting. Remember that Osimhen’s form has been stellar, but football is a team sport-support from the midfield and wing play will be crucial for him to get those scoring chances. Nice’s Youssouf Fofana and Basil Tchouteni have the creative spark that could unlock Monaco’s defense at any moment. The tactical battle between Deschamps’s 4‑2‑3‑1 and Antonetti’s potential 4‑3‑3 shift adds another layer of intrigue; each formation has its strengths and weaknesses, and the manager’s in‑game adjustments could be decisive. Historically, Monaco has dominated this derby, yet Nice’s recent improvements suggest they’re not merely spectators to that narrative. A single defensive lapse or a brilliant set‑piece could swing the result dramatically. Keep an eye on the goalkeepers as well – Majecki’s clean‑sheet rate is impressive, but Bulka’s reflexes have earned him critical saves this season. The betting odds reflect Monaco’s edge, but the potential payout for a Nice upset is worth noting for those who enjoy calculated risks. Even if the match ends in a draw, both sides will walk away with valuable lessons that could shape their season trajectories. Finally, regardless of the final score, the fans will have witnessed a classic French football spectacle, and that’s something to celebrate.