Strasbourg vs. OGC Nice 8/29/20 Ligue 1 Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Strasbourg is hosting OGC Nice at Stade de la Meinau in round 2 in French Ligue 1.

Strasbourg has played only 3 games in the preseason, and they have won 2 while losing the last one. During these three games, Strasbourg has scored 5 goals, while conceding 4 goals. In their opening game of the season, Strasbourg has played against Lorient on the road, and they have had 51% of ball possession, only 1 shot on target, 1 corner kicks, 0 big chances created, and 79% of the correct passes. Strasbourg had the 0-1 lead at the half time, but their defense was bad in the second half, and Strasbourg has lost this match 3-1. Chahiri is the only goalscorer for Strasbourg in this early season. Saadi is still injured, and he will not be playing in this match. Strasbourg was one of the worst teams in Ligue 1 in the first round, but there is plenty of time for Strasbourg to bring in some reinforcements and to get their game plan together. With a few more tweaks and improvements, Strasbourg will have no problem staying in Ligue 1, but that’s about it what we can expect from Strasbourg this season.

Nice has lost only 1 of their last 5 games, including their season opener against Lens. Nice was solid in that game with 57% of ball possession, 2 shots on goal, only 1 corner kick, 0 big chances created, and solid 86% of ball possession. Nice was losing since the 11th minute from a penalty kick, but in the 23rd minute, Nice was able to tie the score. Nice wasn’t the better team in this match, but in the 75th minute, Nice was able to score a goal, and in the end, Nice has won this match 2-1. Gouiri is the only goalscorer for Nice with 2 goals. There are no injuries or suspensions in Nice as of right now. Nice has the new coach and fairly inexperienced coach, but they started the season with a win which is always a good thing. Nice might have not been convincing in the first game, especially in the attacking end, but by some miracle, Nice was able to score 2 goals. With the first three points of the season, Nice is now in 3rd place. Nice is a good team, with some fantastic players, but I think that Viera’s lack of experience as the head coach might have a negative impact on Nice’s season. I still expect Nice to be high in the standings, but it will be hard for them to get to the Europa League.

When playing at home, Strasbourg has not lost to Nice in their last 3 games. Nice’s last away win against Strasbourg was back in 2008. According to the bookies, Strasbourg is the favorite here, and I really don’t understand why. Nice is the better team here, in better form, and their morale is much better than Strasbourg’s. The odds we are getting on Nice are fantastic, and it would have been a sin not to take Nice here.