Nice in must win match versus Troyes to reignite UCL qualification hopes
OGC Nice vs Troyes AC - 24/04/2022
2000
Since qualifying for the Coupe de France 2022 versus Nantes, Nice have fallen off of the pace for Champions League qualification in Ligue 1.
The Eagles flew high for much of the season, but currently, they are two points off of the top three. It is just the top three in Ligue 1 that qualify for the Champions League and the third-place position is only a qualifying round spot.
On Sunday, Nice will welcome Troyes to the Allianz Riveria Stadium. Troyes are 16th in the Ligue 1 standings and winless in three straight matches. The Blues are two points ahead of 18th-place Saint-Etienne, who occupy the relegation-playoff position.
Nice are in poor form ahead of the weekend fixture. Just five points from the last 18 points on offer were picked up by Nice. Goals remain difficult to come by for Christophe Galtier’s side. Nice scored a mere four goals in their last six matches. Eight goals were conceded by the defence.
Troyes picked up eight points from their last six matches in Ligue 1. Goals were also in short supply for the Blues as five were scored and five were conceded.
The reverse fixture between these teams saw Troyes shock Nice 1-0 at home. Mama Balde scored in the fourth minute of the game to send the Blues to the win.
Troyes’ defence held out for 96 minutes against Nice, which is something few would have expected at the time. However, it shows that Nice do struggle to get goals when they are needed.
The good news for Nice is that they are on a four-match unbeaten run at home in Ligue 1. Three of those four matches ended as wins. Troyes failed to win five of their last six matches on the road. Three of those six games finished as defeats.
Galtier has three names on the injured list ahead of Troyes’ arrival. Defender Youcef Atal has a broken collarbone and is ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. Midfielder Danilo Barbosa is ruled out with a groin strain. Claude Maurice is set to miss the remainder of the campaign with an ankle injury.
Troyes coach Bruno Irles took over in January and has the Blues fighting for survival. He will be without Balde due to a suspension.
Irles will also be without the duo of Yoann Salmier and Karim Azamoum due to injury. Forward Hyun-Jun Suk could return from a fitness issue.
Despite winning the reverse fixture, Troyes’ road form is weak and Nice are unbeaten in four straight home matches. Nice should pick up a 2-1 win to reignite their Champions League qualification bid.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
Fr1
472825
1
2 - 1
2.55
16°
1.62
1.62
4.00
5.50
no
no
no
1 - 0(0 - 0)
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