Nice vs Braga Preview and Predictions Team News and Lineups Revealed
As Nice prepares to face Braga at Allianz Riviera on Thursday, the stakes are high for both teams in the Europa League. This match marks the sixth round in the competition, with Nice still looking for their first victory this season.
Match Overview
Nice enters this match at the bottom of their group without any points. They recently suffered a 3-0 defeat to Porto, accentuating their struggles in the tournament.
Braga, on the other hand, stands seventh in the table, coming off a 1-1 draw against Rangers. A win for Braga could secure them a spot in the knockout phase, while Nice desperately needs points to avoid elimination.
Team Performance
- Nice’s recent performance includes a seven-match losing streak across all competitions.
- During this span, they scored only three goals but conceded three or more goals in four matches.
- The team has also lost their last 13 games in European competitions, with 10 of those being defeats.
- They have historically struggled against Portuguese clubs, losing all three previous encounters with a combined score of 9-0.
Braga started strong in the league phase, winning their first three matches. However, they have since allowed five goals in the last two games. Despite this, they currently hold a four-point lead over Ludogorets Razgrad, which places them in a favorable position.
Recent Performance and Expectations
Braga has gone five competitive matches without a loss, with four victories. Their recent success has boosted their confidence. Yet, they have yet to win a European match in France and have only earned a single point against Ligue 1 teams, dating back to a 1-1 draw with Monaco in 2022.
Injury Updates
- Nice: Moise Bombito faces a lower leg fracture, while Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Mohamed Abdelmonem are sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries.
- Braga: Jonatas Xavier Zamith Olivera Noro is out due to an Achilles tendon issue, and Rodrigo Zalazar is suspended following a red card.
Projected Lineups
Nice:
Diouf; Clauss, Mendy, Dante, Bard, Abdi; Cho, Boudaoui, Sanson, Diop; Carlos
Braga:
Hornicek; Gomez, Lagerbielke, Niakate, Arrey-Mbi; Carvalho, Moutinho, Gorby; Martinez, Navarro, Victor
Prediction
Considering the recent frustrations at Nice, it appears unlikely they will find success against a well-organized Braga team. A predicted scoreline could favor Braga with a narrow 1-0 victory.
