Nice will host Monaco at the Allianz Riviera on Sunday in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter as both sides look to solidify their standing in the European qualification race.
Nice, currently 13th in Ligue 1, looked set for a relegation scrap, but a managerial change in late December has quickly turned their season around.
Under Claude Puel, they have lost just two of their first eight matches across all competitions, including a remarkable comeback from 2–0 down to beat Montpellier 3–2 in the Coupe de France and reach the quarter-finals.
Their five points earned in 2026 have eased immediate relegation worries in what is shaping up to be their toughest top-flight campaign.
Recent draws at home against Strasbourg (1–1) and Brest (2–2) indicate they are likely to remain competitive here, though an Allianz Riviera crowd still awaiting a league win since late October will be eager for more.
Meanwhile, Monaco arrive after midweek cup action, meaning extra travel compared to most of their rivals, a factor that could test their stamina as they look to build momentum in Ligue 1.
The Principality side ended January with consecutive league points for the first time since late October, highlighted by a dominant 4–0 home victory over Rennes, arguably their most complete performance of the season.
The challenge now lies in replicating that form on the road, where Monaco remain winless in four Ligue 1 matches and are yet to secure a clean-sheet victory away from Stade Louis II this campaign.
Read our Nice vs Monaco predictions and preview to find out, and remember to check our other Ligue 1 predictions.
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Nice vs Monaco prediction: Away team to win the game
Key statistics
- Monaco have won on three of their last five visits to Nice.
- They have played BTTS in four of their last five encounters.
- Over 6.5 cards have been received by both teams in three of their last five meetings.
Correct score prediction: Nice 1-2 Monaco
We expect the away side to edge this contest in a closely fought affair. We predict a 2-1 victory for Monaco due to their consistency in front of goal.
While the home team is notoriously difficult to beat at the Allianz Riviera, the visitors have shown a remarkable ability to exploit gaps in transition, which could be the deciding factor in this match.
Given the momentum from the clean-sheet victory against Rennes, we believe the Red and Whites have the necessary confidence to secure all three points on the road.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Away side slight favourites
- Home: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
- Draw: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
- Away: 23/20 (2.15) – 46.5%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
The bookmakers give the away side a narrow edge in this matchup, with odds of 2.15 implying a 46.5% chance of victory. The home side are priced at 3.00, reflecting a 33.3% probability, while the draw sits at 3.75 with a 26.7% implied chance. The market points towards a competitive contest, but slightly favours an away win.
Most recent head-to-head: Tight record
The head-to-head history between these two rivals has been balanced but slightly tilted in favour of the visitors in recent years. Looking at their last five meetings, Monaco have won two times, Nice have won twice, and one match ended in a draw.
The most recent clash in 2025 resulted in a 2-2 stalemate at the Stade Louis II. Before that, Monaco secured a 2-1 home win in March 2025, following a 2-1 victory for the Eaglets in October 2024.
This shows that while home advantage is usually key, Monaco have found ways to score multiple goals in this specific fixture over the last few seasons.
France Ligue 1 05/10/25
Monaco
Nice
France Ligue 1 29/03/25
Monaco
Nice
France Ligue 1 27/10/24
Nice
Monaco
France Ligue 1 11/02/24
Nice
Monaco
France Ligue 1 22/09/23
Monaco
Nice
After reviewing our key Nice vs Monaco predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Nice preview: Injury concerns and doubtful selections
For Nice, Jeremie Boga remains a game-time decision as he continues to battle an illness, while Melvin Bard is struggling with a sore groin and Moise Bombito has a lower-leg injury.
On the sidelines long-term, Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Mohamed Abdelmonem are both unavailable as they recover from cruciate ligament injuries.
Predicted lineup: Dupe (GK), Clauss, Dante, Oppong, Abdi, Vanhoutte, Boudaoui, Cho, Sanson, Diop & Wahi
Last five fixtures
- 04.02.26 – Nice 3–2 Montpellier
- 01.02.26 – Nice 2–2 Brest
- 29.01.26 – Ludogorets 1–0 Nice
- 25.01.26 – Nantes 1–4 Nice
- 22.01.26 – Nice 3–1 G.A. Eagles
Monaco preview: Injury troubles in the squad
Monaco are also battling an injury crisis. Paul Pogba, Mohamed Salisu, Takumi Minamino, and Lukas Hradecky remain sidelined as they continue their recoveries from knee injuries.
Additionally, Wout Faes is a doubt after sustaining an ankle sprain, Eric Dier, Christian Mawissa, and Folarin Balogun could all miss out on Sunday due to hamstring strains.
Predicted lineup: Kohn (GK), Teze, Kehrer, Zakaria, Vanderson, Coulibaly, Camara, Ouattara, Fati, Golovin & Biereth
Last five fixtures
- 05.02.26 – Strasbourg 3–1 Monaco
- 31.01.26 – Monaco 4–0 Rennes
- 28.01.26 – Monaco 0–0 Juventus
- 24.01.26 – Le Havre 0–0 Monaco
- 20.01.26 – Real Madrid 6–1 Monaco
Player to watch: Ansu Fati
Ansu Fati has been the standout performer for the away team since arriving on loan from Barcelona. The Spanish international has recorded seven goals in the league this season, making him the most dangerous offensive threat in the squad.
He has found a way to stay away from injuries and consistently scored in many games. The forward scored one goal in a recent outing and his ability to drift inside from the left wing will pose a significant challenge for the home side.