Patrick Vieira’s Nice scored a come from behind win versus newly promoted Lens on matchday 1 in Ligue 1. Now, the Eagles are aiming for a second straight win to go top of the table after two matches.
Strasbourg didn’t get off to a good start on matchday 1. They fell 3-1 to newly promoted Lorient. It was a disappointing result after finishing 10th last term. Strasbourg have played well at home versus Nice in recent seasons and should be good against the Eagles on Saturday.
Racing are unbeaten in three straight home games versus Nice. Two of those games, including last season’s fixture at the Stade de la Meinau, ended in victory for Strasbourg.
OGC Nice owners INEOS have plowed money into the club this summer. It is the second straight offseason in which the French club saw significant investment. Although it isn’t on the same level as Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City, it has been enough to improve the squad.
Nice finished fifth last season to qualify for the Europa League. Their 41 points were 5.38 better than their expected points total of 35.62.
Matchday 1 saw summer signing Amine Gouiri, signed from Lyon for €7 million, score twice against Lens. Gouiri could get on the scoresheet once more this weekend against a Strasbourg defence that allowed three goals to Lorient.
Vieira’s tactics are to play strong defence and keep possession of the ball. They kept 55.4% of the possession last weekend which was the second-best of all Ligue 1 games.
Strasbourg ran out to a 30th minute lead through a goal from Mehdi Chahiri versus Lorient. They then allowed three goals without answer in the second half.
Racing’s goal came from their only shot on target. They kept 51% of the game’s possession and collected seven shots in total. They will need to be more clinical against a very strong defensive team in Nice.
Nice have posted a 1W-1D-3L record versus Strasbourg over the course of their last five games in Ligue One. In spite of the Eagles’ poor record they are a far stronger team this season than in years past. Strasbourg, on the other hand, may not be quite as strong as last term.
Saturday’s game should see both teams score, just like they did on matchday 1, with Nice claiming a win. The match should see over 2.5 goals scored in a thriller at the Stade de la Meinau. Don’t be surprised to see Gouiri score once more for the Eagles.