Nice vs Toulouse Prediction & Betting Tips (25 August)

OGC Nice had a rather serious season last year. Under the orders of Francesco Farioli, the Gym relied heavily on its defensive rigor to finish in 5th position in the standings and secure its place for the group stage of the Europa League despite a game not always appreciated by observers. This year, the Riviera leaders preferred to entrust the keys to the project to Franck Haise, in particular to make themselves more attractive to the general public. The former Lens coach is currently struggling to make his mark and he has only won one of 5 summer friendly matches, against Lecce 2-3 at the beginning of August. Since then, the Aiglons have been dominated by Ipswich Town 1-0 then they were beaten at the very end of the match by Auxerre 2-1, last week, on the first day of Ligue 1.

On the other side from the median, Toulouse would like to do at least as well as last year when it offered itself a very peaceful stay despite its European journey up to the Europa League play-offs. The residents of the Stadium indeed finished in a very correct 11th place with 14 units ahead of the Metz play-off. Still guided by their Spanish coach Carles Martinez, the Violets had won 3 of their first 4 preparation matches, against Roma 0-1 and Girona 0-4 in particular, before seeing the machine seize up against Espanyol 0- 0 and Valladolid 0-2. Last Sunday, they were unsuccessful against FC Nantes 0-0 for what was their first match in Ligue 1 0-0.

Le Gym was unable to retain its two internationals Jean-Clair Todibo (West Ham, loan) and Kephren Thuram (Juventus), while full-backs Rosier (Besiktas) and Perraud (Southampton) also left the Côte d'Azur after have seen their loan period come to an end. Furthermore, the rather unconvincing Claude Maurice and the unused last season Beka-Beka were not kept while the young winger Baldé (7 apps in L1 last year) left on loan to Bochum . Conversely, midfielder Sanson has signed up for good with the Aiglons while Tanguy Ndombélé (Tottenham), French international full-back Clauss (Marseille) and central defender Mombito (Colorado) have joined the club. The offensive players Brahimi (Brest) and Bouanani (Lorient) are back after being loaned. The Niçois are not spared from injuries at the start of the season. Indeed, the Riviera's top scorer Moffi (11 goals), victim of a cruciate ligament rupture, and the interesting Boga (6 goals, 6 assists) must take their problems patiently in the infirmary. The very valuable Sanson (holder), the promising young Louchet and the long-term absentees Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Sofiane Diop are also on the floor. Note all the same the return of suspension of the left side Bard.

Last week, it was the former Angevin Mohamed Ali-Cho who opened the scoring in favor of the Azuréens. On the Toulouse side, midfielder Spierings saw his loan period end and he returned to Lens. Defender Moussa Diarra (Alaves), right-back Desler (Austin FC) and Cissoko (Plymouth Argyle, loan) also had to say goodbye to the Pink City along with solid defender Mawissa (Monaco) and top scorer Dallinga (14 pawns last year) who is committed to Bologna. Senior defender Logan Costa is expected to take charge of Villarreal and Spanish midfielder Cesar Gelabert has joined Sporting Gijon on loan. To try to replace these elements, the Occitan leaders looked at the profiles of central defender Charlie Cresswell (Leeds), and the 2018 World champion, Djibril Sidibé (AEK Athens). The Violets still count in their ranks the Swiss international Sierro (6 goals), the winter recruit Gboho (3 goals, 3 assists) and the Cameroonian Magri (5 goals, 2 assists). Like last week, young replacement defender Keben should be the only element missing.