Ligue 1 Saturday: Can Nantes Upset Nice While Monaco Faces Auxerre?

3 weeks ago

3 minutes read

Ligue 1 returns to action this Saturday with two interesting matches. Nice host Nantes at the Allianz Riviera, while Auxerre take on Monaco at Stade de l’Abbé Deschamps. Both games could set the tone for the rest of the season, with teams looking to build confidence and momentum.

Nice vs Nantes

Nice will be eager to get revenge on Nantes after losing 2-1 in their last meeting in April. In that match, Nice had 76% possession and took 23 shots, but Nantes scored twice to leave with all three points. Douglas Augusto scored early, Nice responded through Ali Abdi, but Matthis Abline’s goal restored Nantes’ lead. Despite Nice creating 97 dangerous attacks, they could not find another goal.

Recent form: Nice have struggled in recent weeks, losing four of their last six matches across all competitions. They have scored 1.67 goals per game but conceded 1.5. At home, their record is not much better, with only one win in their last three games at the Allianz Riviera, scoring just one goal per game.

Nantes, meanwhile, have had a tough time away from home. They are winless in 9 of their last 11 away matches, scoring 1.25 and conceding 1.85 goals on average. Still, they have shown strong defensive discipline, conceding just 0.67 goals per match in their last six games.

Team news: Nice will be without Mohamed Abdelmonem, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, and Tanguy Ndombélé due to injury. Nantes have no major injuries or suspensions.

Expected lineups:

Nice (3-4-2-1): Diouf; Mendy, Bah, Oppong; Louchet, Boudaoui, Abdul Samed, Bard; Jansson, Boga; Omoruyi
Nantes (4-1-4-1): Lopes; Amian, Awaziem, Tati, Cozza; Benhattab; Lepenant, Kwon, Leroux, Guirassy; Mohamed

Prediction: Nice are slightly favorites at home. A 1-0 victory for Nice is the most likely result. Expect a close, tactical match where discipline and efficiency may decide the winner.

Auxerre vs Monaco

Auxerre face a difficult challenge against Monaco. In their last meeting, Monaco won 4-2, with Mika Biereth scoring a hat-trick. Monaco dominated possession and dangerous attacks, and Auxerre could not match their efficiency despite 13 shots. Monaco has now won four of the last five games against Auxerre, showing a clear upper hand.

Recent form: Auxerre have had a tough start to the season, with one win and one draw from their last six matches, scoring only 0.83 goals per game. At home, their record is steadier, with one win, one draw, and one loss in the last three matches, scoring 1 goal per game and conceding 1 on average.

Monaco, on the other hand, have been strong, winning four of their last six matches. They score 1.83 goals per match and dominate possession at 52% on average. However, Monaco’s away form has been inconsistent, winless in 16 of their last 20 trips.

Team news: Auxerre are without Clément Akpa and Nathan Buayi-Kiala. Monaco will miss Stanis Idumbo.

Expected lineups:

Auxerre (4-3-3): Léon; Senaya, Osho, Sierralta, Mensah; Casimir, Owusu, Danois, Osman; Sinayoko, Namaso
Monaco (4-2-3-1): Hrádecký; Teze, Dier, Mawissa, Caio Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Minamino, Golovin; Biereth

Prediction: Monaco are favorites due to their superior attack and recent wins over Auxerre. A 2-1 win for Monaco is the most likely outcome, although Auxerre will try to use home advantage to create chances.

Key Battles to Watch

Nice vs Nantes: Kevin Omoruyi vs Mostafa Mohamed – the battle up front could decide the match.
Auxerre vs Monaco: Mika Biereth vs Auxerre defense – can he keep scoring against his old rivals?

Summary

Nice vs Nantes: Expect a close home win. Nice must turn their possession and attacks into goals. Prediction: 1-0 Nice
Auxerre vs Monaco: Monaco’s strong attack and winning history favor them, though Auxerre could challenge at home. Prediction: 2-1 Monaco

Both matches promise exciting football, tactical battles, and early-season storylines that could shape Ligue 1 standings.