When AS Monaco host OGC Nice at Stade Louis‑II on March 29, 2025, the Ligue 1 Derby de la Côte d'Azur becomes the week's must‑watch clash. The match kicks off at 21:05 GMT under the watchful eye of referee Jerome Brisard, and both sides sit a single point apart in the table – Monaco in third, Nice a breath behind.
Match Preview and Stakes
Monaco have turned their home ground into a fortress this season, racking up ten wins, one draw and only a single loss at the Stade Louis‑II this year. Their recent four‑game home winning streak produced 17 goals, a clear sign that the Monegasque attack still has plenty of firepower.
For Nice, the journey to the French Riviera comes on the tail of an emphatic 6‑0 demolition of Stade Brestois. That win sparked a brief surge, but the visitors have struggled on the road, dropping five straight away games across all competitions. Still, they remain second‑best in the league with a respectable 50 % win rate.
Recent Form and Key Stats
Looking at the numbers, Monaco have found the net in 85 % of their matches, with 63 goals and 191 shots on target recorded so far. Their defensive side is less reassuring – opponents have scored in 68 % of games.
Nice, by contrast, have a slightly higher scoring frequency: they’ve netted 66 goals and fired 194 shots on target, topping the 1.5‑goal‑per‑match mark in 91 % of outings. Their vulnerability shows up in the back line, as they have conceded in 76 % of games and endured a streak of conceding at least twice in each recent away fixture.
- Monaco: 63 goals, 191 on‑target shots, 85 % over 1.5 goals.
- Nice: 66 goals, 194 on‑target shots, 91 % over 1.5 goals.
- Head‑to‑head: 51‑50 aggregate, Monaco ahead by one goal in 26 meetings.
Injury News and Lineup Outlook
Monaco will be without Kassoum Ouattara, who is confirmed out. Folarin Balogun has shaken off a shoulder issue and is expected to start, while Aleksandr Golovin, Soungoutou Magassa and Jordan Teze sit on the cusp of selection. Defensive headaches persist: right‑back Vanderson is doubtful after a 22‑minute exit against Manchester City, and centre‑back Thilo Kehrer serves a one‑match suspension.
Nice’s bench is equally thin. Captain Melvin Bard sits out after a red card, and forward Terem Moffi, midfielder Tanguy Ndombele and play‑maker Morgan Sanson are listed as doubts.
Head‑to‑Head History
The recent rivalry has been tight. In the last four Ligue 1 meetings, each side has claimed two wins, with a total of six goals on either side. Monaco have escaped defeat in three of those encounters, but they’ve also lost half of the six most recent meetings against Nice overall.
When the two squads clash at home, the games tend to be high‑scoring. Monaco have recorded two‑plus goals in each of their last six home fixtures, and the total goal tally in their first four home games this season sits at a lofty 13 – an average of 3.25 per match.
Betting Odds and Expert Predictions
Bookmakers currently give Monaco a 35‑46 % chance of winning, Nice roughly 29‑30 %, and a draw sits around 25 %. The price tag reads 9/10 for a Monaco win, 29/10 for Nice and 27/10 for the stalemate.
Experts lean heavily toward a home triumph. Sportskeeda predicts a 2‑1 victory for Monaco, citing their prolific attacking rhythm and the psychological edge of playing at the Stade Louis‑II. Betting tips also highlight Monaco to win, Ansu Fati to score anytime, and the match to go over 2.5 goals.
What to Watch For
First, will Monaco’s attack keep its four‑game home‑scoring streak alive, or will Nice’s recent away‑goal surge (2+ goals in 67 % of their last six away matches) prove decisive? Second, the defensive frailties on both sides – Monaco concede in two‑thirds of games, Nice in three‑quarters – suggest the likelihood of a goal fest.
Finally, the referee’s style matters. Jerome Brisard tends to allow a relatively free flow of play, which could favour the open, attacking brands of both clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Monaco’s injury list affect their chances?
Missing Kassoum Ouattara and possibly Vanderson weakens the flanks, but Balogun’s return adds firepower up front. If Coach Will Still can field a balanced eleven, Monaco’s depth should keep them in control.
What does Nice’s recent 6‑0 win mean for this derby?
The thrashing of Brest boosted confidence, especially for the attack. However, Nice’s away slump – five straight losses away – raises doubts about replicating that form in Monaco’s hostile environment.
Which player is most likely to score?
Balogun, now fit, is the clear candidate for Monaco, while Nice will lean on the pace of Terem Moffi if he can start. Both have a habit of finding the net in the first half.
What are the odds of a goal‑rich game?
Given both sides have topped the 1.5‑goals‑per‑match mark (85 % for Monaco, 91 % for Nice) and the head‑to‑head record shows six goals in the last four meetings, an over‑2.5 outcome looks very likely.
When will the next Ligue 1 fixtures for these clubs be?
Monaco’s next challenge comes on April 5 against Olympique Lyonnais, while Nice travel to Lille on April 6. Both matches could cement or reshuffle the top‑four battle.
Liz Lessner
October 6, 2025 AT 02:13We definitely need to keep our focus on the defence, even if the attack is on fire right now. The back four has some gaps that opponents will try to exploit, so make sure the midfield shields the centre‑backs. Also, keep the high press but dont over‑commit, otherwise you can get caught on the break. The players should stay relaxed and stick to the game‑plan we practiced. A little extra work on set‑pieces could defiinitely make the difference.