Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Ligue 1 match.
The hosts, fresh from a fourth-place finish last season, have their sights set on breaking into the top three, while the visitors are aiming for a push into European contention. Both sides start with ambition, but their form and preparations differ heading into the new campaign.
OGC Nice
Last season was Nice’s best in eight years, but the summer saw key departures in Jean-Clair Todibo, Evann Guessand and Marcin Bulka. New signings Diouf and Jansson have yet to convince: back-to-back 0:2 losses to Benfica in Champions League qualifying have consigned Nice to the Europa League. Adding to that, they have failed to win any of their last four Ligue 1 openers (three draws, one defeat), though they closed out the previous campaign strongly at home with three consecutive victories.
Toulouse
Toulouse finished 10th last term — their best result since returning to the top flight. Pre-season form was patchy, with four defeats in six friendlies, including heavy losses of 0:6 and 0:7 to Stuttgart and Leipzig. Yet they have been steady in competitive season openers, going four years unbeaten in round one (two wins, two draws). On their last three trips to the Allianz Riviera, Toulouse have taken points twice, including a 1:1 draw last season.
OGC Nice vs Toulouse Prediction
Both sides tend to start seasons cautiously, and recent head-to-heads have been closely fought — last year’s league meetings both ended 1:1. Nice often struggle to convert chances early in campaigns, while Toulouse know how to frustrate opponents on the road. With that in mind, a high-scoring shootout seems unlikely.
