Nice vs Lyon Prediction Ligue 1 18.10.2025
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Nice vs Lyon Prediction Ligue 1
Nice vs Lyon Prediction and Betting Tips for Saturday’s Ligue 1 clash at Allianz Riviera. The hosts have endured a tough run, going winless in their last five outings, while Lyon aims to bounce back from a rare defeat at Toulouse. In this article, you’ll find Ligue 1 Predictions from XpertStats tipsters, with stats, injuries, and tactical insights to guide your betting decisions.
- Nice winless in last five games; looking to end drought at Allianz Riviera.
- Lyon travel with confidence, unbeaten in three of four away matches.
- Both sides averaging two goals per game; strong defensive record for Lyon.
- Key absences for Nice include Mohamed Abdelmonem, Moise Bombito, and Ali Abdi.
Nice have struggled to find consistency this season. Despite scoring 1.25 goals per game, they’ve conceded 0.75 on average, with only two league wins so far. Injuries are compounding their issues, with central defenders Mohamed Abdelmonem and Moise Bombito sidelined, while Ali Abdi is suspended. Manager Franck Haise may be forced into a makeshift back three, which leaves them vulnerable against a high-flying Lyon side. Their last result, a 2-2 draw against Monaco after leading by two goals, underlines their fragility.
Lyon, on the other hand, have started strong despite their recent hiccup. They average 1 goal scored and conceded per game, keeping three clean sheets in four road matches this season. Manager Paulo Fonseca’s side is still chasing Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the table and will be confident given their recent dominance over Nice, including a 6-1 aggregate last season. Even so, their loss to Toulouse exposed lapses in concentration late in games, something to watch.
Key statistics suggest this could be a tightly contested affair. Nice average 10.75 corners per match while Lyon sit at 12. Cards and fouls may also play a role, with Lyon averaging 6.33 cards per game and Nice 3.75. Given Lyon’s defensive solidity and Nice’s backline injuries, the visitors are likely to impose themselves. Still, playing at Allianz Riviera gives the hosts a glimmer of hope, as both of their league wins this season came on home turf.
In terms of betting angles, this match is shaping up to be physical. With Lyon committing 19 fouls per game and Nice 13, an “Over 24.5 Fouls” bet is plausible. Statistically, both teams are prone to aggressive challenges, and the stakes could push tensions higher. Expect late fouls, tactical fouling, and a refereeing presence felt throughout. Overall, Lyon’s edge in form and fitness, combined with Nice’s injury woes, suggests a controlled but competitive showdown, possibly punctuated by cautions and fouls.
Our experts anticipate a match where Lyon’s defensive discipline meets Nice’s desperation for points, making this a must-watch fixture in Ligue 1. For more Ligue 1 Predictions, check our full tips guide.
For Saturday’s Ligue 1 clash at Allianz Riviera, OL coach Paulo Fonseca has called up 21 players for the trip to Nice. Tanner Tessmann, who recently played for the United States, may be rested due to travel fatigue, while Corentin Tolisso is expected to adjust in midfield alongside Tyler Morton. Nicolas Tagliafico, fully recovered from international duty, is likely to start. OL aims to bounce back after their 2-1 defeat to Toulouse. Source: lequipe.fr.
Analyzing recent fixtures, fouls have been a recurring theme for both Nice and Lyon. Nice average 13 fouls per match and Lyon 19, pushing their combined total significantly past 24.5. With Nice’s backline weakened by injuries to Abdelmonem, Bombito, and Ndayishimiye, they may resort to fouling as a defensive tactic. Lyon, meanwhile, are no strangers to late challenges, especially when protecting a lead on the road. Matches at Allianz Riviera have historically been tense and closely contested, with Les Aiglons trying to halt Lyon’s momentum. Furthermore, disciplinary trends suggest Lyon matches often see multiple cards, hinting at numerous stoppages and fouls. Both teams’ playing styles—aggressive pressing by Lyon and desperation-led challenges from Nice—create the perfect storm for a high foul count. Statistically, this aligns with previous meetings and the current form of both sides, making Over 24.5 Fouls a sensible betting selection.
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