Struggling Nice face a final chance to keep their Europa League campaign alive as they host Braga for round six of the league phase on Thursday.
The only side yet to collect a point this season, Le Gym sit rock bottom in the 36-team standings, six points off the playoff spot, while the Archbishops aim to strengthen their position in the top eight, separated from ninth-placed Genk only by goal difference.
Our Nice vs Braga prediction provides clear insight, while the rest of our Europa League tips remain available for review.
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Nice vs Braga prediction: One last shot for Le Gym?
Key stats:
- Nice have both scored and conceded in four of their last six games.
- Braga have won four of their last five games across all competitions (D1).
- Both teams have scored in six of Braga’s last seven outings.
- The visitors have netted at least twice in five of their last six matches.
- Braga have averaged 5.2 corners in the league phase this season.
Correct score prediction: Nice 1-2 Braga
A series of losses can sometimes be attributed to poor form, but seven consecutive defeats indicate that Nice are in the midst of a serious crisis, exacerbated by recent off-field unrest.
Facing a Braga side in strong form does not ease the pressure on the French hosts, so victory for the visitors appears likely.
However, both sides could find the net, considering Braga have occasionally been vulnerable at the back, while Nice have also managed to score in the majority of their recent games.
Pre-match analysis: Valuable odds for the visitors?
- HOME: 9/4 (3.25) – 30.8%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change*
This is a clash between two teams with contrasting forms, and it is unsurprising that an in-form Braga hold the advantage.
A 47.6% win probability for the visitors compared with Nice’s 30.8% likelihood of victory indicates value for those backing the Archbishops, while a draw is priced at 27.8%.
Most recent H2H: First competitive meeting
This will be the first competitive encounter between Nice and Braga, though both sides met in a friendly in 2023, with the Archbishops emerging 2-0 winners.
Europe Friendlies 29/07/23
Braga
Nice
Nice preview: Assaulted attackers still on leave
Nice are expected to be without defender Moise Bombito, who is ruled out with a lower leg fracture, while Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Mohamed Abdelmonem continue their respective recoveries from cruciate ligament injuries.
Jeremie Boga and Terem Moffi also remain unavailable, having been granted leave following an assault by supporters after the defeat to Lorient late last month.
Antoine Mendy, Tom Louchet and Charles Vanhoutte are all just one booking away from suspension.
Predicted XI: Diouf (GK), Clauss, Mendy, Dante, Bard, Abdi, Cho, Boudaoui, Sanson, Diop & Carlos
Nice’s last five results:
- 07/12/25: Nice 0-1 Angers (L)
- 30/11/25: Lorient 3-1 Nice (L)
- 27/11/25: Porto 3-0 Nice (L)
- 21/11/25: Nice 1-5 Marseille (L)
- 09/11/25: Metz 2-1 Nice (L)
Braga preview: Key midfielder suspended
Braga will remain without long-term absentee Jonatas Noro, who continues his recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture, while midfielder Rodrigo Zalazar serves a suspension for a red card in the previous round against Rangers.
Predicted XI: Hornicek (GK), Gomez, Lagerbielke, Niakate, Arrey-Mbi, Carvalho, Moutinho, Gorby, Martinez, Navarro & Victor
Braga’s last five results:
- 06/12/25: Famalicao 1-2 Braga (W)
- 01/12/25: Arouca 0-4 Braga (W)
- 27/11/25: Rangers 1-1 Braga (D)
- 23/11/25: Braga 4-2 Nacional (W)
- 09/11/25: Braga 2-1 Moreirense (W)
Player to watch: Ricardo Horta
Ricardo Horta has directly contributed to six goals (G5, A1) in his last six appearances for Braga, including the opener against Famalicao last weekend.
The club captain will look to carry that form into Thursday’s game, having also contributed to four goals and assists in his last four Europa League outings.