Nice, still in search of their first league phase victory, will welcome Rangers to the Allianz Riviera on Thursday night in matchday five of the 2024-25 Europa League.
The hosts are 10th in the table, outside the qualification places, with just two points, while the visitors are 10th with seven points from their four outings.
Match preview
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Nice have had a mixed start to the season so far, performing well domestically in fifth place in Ligue 1 with just two losses from 12 games, while simultaneously struggling in Europe, sitting 31st in the Europa League with two defeats in four matches.
They initially suffered a poor opening to the campaign, managing just two victories from their first 11 fixtures across all competitions, but they have rebounded in recent outings.
Franck Haise's outfit have now secured three wins and two draws from their last five, helping them rise to fifth in the Ligue 1 table with 20 points after 12 games, from five wins, five draws and just two losses.
However, none of those triumphs have so far come in their Europa League campaign, leaving the Eaglets sitting worryingly outside of the qualification places altogether, placed in 31st with just two points from four games.
Even more concerning for Haise is that his side have had to come from behind in both of their draws against FC Twente and Real Sociedad, while also suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Lazio and a disappointing 1-0 loss to Ferencvaros.
With only four games remaining to reverse their European fortunes and secure a spot in the top 24 for a chance at knockout football, Nice must quickly improve, beginning with Thursday's clash against Rangers.
The visitors, however, should pose a tough challenge for the Eaglets, with Rangers arriving in 10th place in the standings after securing two wins, one draw, and one defeat.
That loss, a 4-1 defeat to Lyon, is one of just five that the Gers have suffered in 21 matches across all competitions so far this campaign, picking up 12 wins and four draws in that time.
Philippe Clement, manager since October 2023, does come into this match under significant pressure though, with his team already trailing Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic by 11 points and second-placed Aberdeen by eight points after just 12 games.
Their away form has been particularly problematic, with the Gers managing just one win, one draw and three losses from five Scottish Premiership fixtures, although they have won one and drawn one of two away games in Europe.
Despite their struggles, Clement will be hopeful that a recent unbeaten run of four games, their joint-longest of the season, can provide momentum for another win here, three points that could lift them into the top eight depending on results elsewhere.
Team News
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The hosts are expected to be without Jonathan Clauss, Ali Abdi, Antoine Mendy, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Morgan Sanson and Terem Moffi for this match due to ongoing injury issues.
Sofiane Diop is suspended for the match after receiving a red card against Twente last time out, while Moise Bombito is also suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Elsewhere, after defeating Strasbourg 2-1 in their last game, Haise could decide to field a similar starting 11 for this crucial Europa League fixture against Rangers.
As for the visitors, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence and Oscar Cortes are all set to remain on the sidelines for this match, though the latter three are expected to return in the coming weeks.
Despite failing to defeat Dundee United in their last outing, drawing 1-1, Rangers were absolutely dominant with 72% possession and 29 shots to Dundee Utd's five, meaning Clement could name a similar team here.
Nice possible starting lineup:
Bulka; Louchet, Dante, Ndayishimiye, Bard; Cho, Boudaoui, Rosario, Boga; Guessand, Laborde
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Butland; Sterling, Souttar, Propper, Jefte; Raskin, Barron; Cerny, Diomande, Bajramil Dessers
We say: Nice 2-1 Rangers
Nice may have struggled in the Europa League so far, but they enter this match on their best run of form this season, and with Rangers often facing difficulties away from home, we believe the hosts will secure a victory here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
