Nice vs Monaco - Big guns backed to fire Monaco to final day Ligue 1 victory

Leonard Solms

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Last updated: 23 May 2019

Leonard Solms 23 May 2019

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Leonardo Jardim’s men to sign off by securing Ligue 1 survival

Expired

Monaco beat Amiens 2-0 in their last match and therefore carry momentum into Friday's Ligue 1 fixture against Nice. (Getty Images)

Nice vs Monaco Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

By Stephen Pettitt

Nice will host Monaco who almost guaranteed their survival in the Ligue 1 for next season with a 2-0 victory over Amiens last week.

The home side's 3-0 loss at the hands of Saint Ettiene meanwhile means they have lost out on a place for Europa League. As a result, there is a little bit more for Monaco to play seeing as a draw or win will secure their survival for good.

OGC Nice Form & Team News

Nice remain winless in the month of May with their 3-0 defeat against Saint Etienne coming off the back of 1-1 draws against PSG and Nantes.

Despite a shaky start at home this season, Nice have lately made the Allianz Riviera a difficult place to visit, having lost just one of their last nine home league matches.

That, coupled with the chance of it being Vieira’s last game in charge after being linked with a move away from the club, means that Nice could well have one final good outing left in them, but Monaco are expected to be stronger.

Nice are paying 3.02 for a win which wouldn’t be a bad return considering the capabilities of the side.

Patrick Vieira has failed to secure European football for Nice and they have little to play for against Monaco. (Getty Images)

AS Monaco FC Form & Team News

Despite a shaky start at home this season, Nice have lately made the Allianz Riviera a difficult place to visit, having lost just one of their last nine home league matches.

Nice are paying 3.02 for a win which wouldn’t be a bad return considering the capabilities of the side.

Nice vs Monaco Head to Head

The upcoming match will be the 40th meeting between the two teams since 1994/95. Monaco lead 16-13 in the victory count since then with 10 draws. Friday’s visitors have won eight of their last 13 matches against Nice.

The last fixture between the two teams finished in a 1-1 draw at the Stade Louis II with goals coming from Allan Saint-Maximin and Benoit Badiashile.

Nice vs Monaco Match Up

Radamel Falcao will be the key figure for Monaco with the captain boasting 15 league goals and two assists this season. Falcao has almost single-handedly prevented his side from being dragged even further down.

For Nice, watch out for Allan Saint-Maximin who has scored six goals and assisted four in a breakthrough season for the 22-year-old while Malang Sarr will marshal the Nice backline. The 20-year-old is in fine form and appeared in a recent list of top 50 most valuable players under the age of 20.

Radamel Falcao scored against Amiens and will aim for a repeat performance against Nice. (Getty Images)

Nice vs Monaco Key Statistics

Monaco won their last match 2-0 against Amiens (Ligue 1)
Monaco are 8-2 in their last 13 matches against Nice (all competitions).
Nice lost their last match 3-0 against Saint-Etienne (Ligue 1).
Nice have conceded 3 goals in their last 8 home games (Ligue 1).

Verdict

All in all, it is set to be a tight encounter with Monaco the favourites simply because of the fact they have something to play for while Nice are still reeling from the disappointment of missing Europa League next season.

Nice have the home advantage but the stars of Monaco should prove to be a bit too strong and edge the encounter.

Best Bet: Monaco Win @ 2.20 at Betway - 3 units

Correct Score Tip: Monaco Win 2-0 @ 11.00 at Betway - 1 unit