Nice head into Sunday’s Ligue 1 encounter against Troyes, aware they desperately need a win to maintain their European hopes with kickoff at 4 pm.
Nice was looking certain to claim a European place at the start of April, but a return of 12 points from its 11 matches has seen the club drop out of contention for continental football altogether. On a positive note, Christophe Galtier’s team only has to beat mid-table Orleans this weekend to claim its place in Europe for another year.
Nice has been in great form at home, but not so much on their travels, picking up only 13 points from a possible 18 since the middle of January. Andy Delort has ten goals for the campaign and is the only Nice player to find the back of the net in their last four away games.
Nice is not the only team under pressure this weekend, with Troyes having dropped into a battle for survival in the top flight. They have since collected 11 points from a possible 15 and have lost their last two games, the latest of which came at home to Clermont. The biggest worry for Bruno Irles is that Troyes’ next four fixtures are against teams in the top nine, including a trip to Paris Saint-Germain.
Nice vs. Troyes Head to Head
Both sides have seven games against each other, with hosts taking three wins while the visitors have two wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Monaco 1-0 Nice
- Nice 2-1 Lorient
- Lens 3-0 Nice
- Nice 1-1 Rennes
- Marseille 2-1 Nice
Away
- Troyes 0-1 Clermont
- Troyes 1-1 Strasbourg
- Monaco 2-1 Troyes
- Troyes 1-0 Reims
- Saint Etienne 1-1 Troyes
Nice Team News
Galtier is likely to freshen up his Nice XI for this match as he aims to rediscover a winning formula. Justin Kluivert should return on the left flank, while Amine Gouiri will be hoping for a chance to resume his partnership with Delort.
Troyes Team News
With replacement Mama Balde being sent off against Clermont, Giulian Biancone may have to deputize on the right side of defense. The rest of the first XI could stay the same, with Troyes only losing out in that game courtesy of a late goal.
Prediction and Odds
Troyes are expected to play conservatively against their more illustrious opponents, but they may end up inviting Nice’s attack if they do.
- Nice Win
- Correct Score: 2-0
- Goals Under 2.5
