Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Ligue 1 match.
This fixture is a double-feature — the Côte d’Azur Derby and a direct battle for the third Champions League spot. Both clubs are locked on 47 points, with AS Monaco edging ahead solely by virtue of one extra goal scored. Marseille, meanwhile, sit just two points clear of the pair.
OGC Nice
For five straight matchdays, Nice held third place, but just a single point from their last two matches has seen them slip to fourth. Losing to fellow contender Lyon could be forgiven, but squandering a lead at home to Auxerre was a self-inflicted blow. Melvin Bard’s reckless challenge in midfield earned him a straight red card in the 87th minute, and four minutes later, Auxerre capitalised on the man advantage to equalise.
AS Monaco
Monaco have had their fair share of stumbles this season — though almost exclusively on the road, where they've collected just 46% of possible points. Even so, their last away defeat came at the hands of Angers (0:2). At home, it’s a different story. Monaco have lost just twice in 13 league matches at Stade Louis-II, drawing two and winning the rest. Their four most recent home fixtures have all been victories, during which they netted a total of 17 goals.
AS Monaco vs OGC Nice Prediction
Three of the last four Côte d’Azur Derbies have gone over 2.5 goals. Monaco haven’t lost at home to Nice in recent years, and in their current form, that run looks likely to continue. While Monaco used to be vulnerable even on home turf, they now look like a different beast in the principality.
