Nice vs St Etienne Prediction & Betting Tips (20 September)

Serious and disciplined last season, OGC Nice achieved a very good 5th place which will allow them to compete in the Europa League this year. In the meantime, the Gym got off to a relatively average start to this new season in Ligue 1, collecting only 4 points in as many days. A rather unsatisfactory result for Franck Haise's men who undoubtedly hoped for better. Surprised at the start at Auxerre 2-1, the Aiglons were able to recover by taking a point against Toulouse 1-1 then correcting the promoted Angevin side 1-4. On the other hand, they showed too many shortcomings last weekend to hope to bring back a result from their trip to the Vélodrome where they faced a good OM team 2-0. Saint-Etienne, for its part, is rediscovering the demands of the elite this year after having spent the two previous years at the lower level.

Rewarded for its efforts by its victory obtained in the play-offs against Metz, ASSE hopes to establish itself permanently in Ligue 1 even if the first matches do not really encourage optimism. The Greens were in fact dominated by Monaco 1-0, Le Havre 0-2 and Brest 4-0 during their first 3 matches. But last Friday, they showed realism and defensive solidity to achieve their first success of the season against a very good Lille team 1-0. A success, however, insufficient to hope to escape the red zone. 

The Niçois have clearly not been spared from injuries at the start of the season and the infirmary is already full, particularly with the offensive players. There we find the top scorer Moffi (11 goals), victim of a ruptured cruciate ligament, Laborde, Sanson and Boudaoui. On the other hand, new central defender Moise Bombito will be back after being suspended last week. Author of a double against Angers before the break, striker Guessand is the only one to have scored more than once this year in this squad. On the right side, we should find the French international Clauss who was one of the best players in his team against OM last week. We expect better from the young Mohamed-Ali Cho and the returning Boga.

The Forez players should be deprived of the replacement Cheikh Fall, long-term package, the new left winger Augustine Boakye (Wolfsberger) and from striker Ibrahima Wadji. Seriously injured in the face Brest, the starting right side Maçon must also withdraw in the same way as Monconduit and Briançon. Very behind on the offensive level so far, the Greens still scored their first goal of the season last year through Mathieu Cafaro. Center forward Sissoko and summer recruit Davitashvili are still looking for their first achievement. The first city was also a substitute against Losc, the young Stassin being preferred.