Auxerre vs OGC Nice Prediction: Auxerre will fight to prove their worth

Newly-promoted side Auxerre will get their first test of the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season as they host OGC Nice at the Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps. The last time these two teams faced each other was in the Coup de France Round of 64, and the game ended as a goalless draw in full time, before OGC Nice went on to win 4-2 on penalties. The last 3 meetings between these two had also ended in a stalemate, indicating how tight the fixture used to be. However, on match day 1, both teams will like to pick up all 3 points to kickstart their campaign.

Auxerre

Auxerre were relegated to the Ligue 2 at the end of the 2022/23 Ligue 1 season. At the end of the 2023/24 Ligue 2 season, they finished at the top of the table and secured their passage back to Ligue 1. Auxerre will focus on staying in the Ligue 1 this season and the battle for their survival starts against OGC Nice.

Auxerre finished the Ligue 2 2023/24 season at the top of the table with 74 points in 38 matches. They had a total of 21 wins, 11 draws and 6 defeats throughout the season.

Knowing that 2024/25 will be a bruising battle after getting promoted back to Ligue 1, AJ Auxerre is ready. The Christophe Pélissier-led team has been busy in the transfer window, trying to reinforce its squad. Key signings include Lasso Coulibaly from FC Nordsjælland for €2 million, Gabriel Osho from Luton Town on a free transfer, and Theo Bair from Motherwell for €1.9 million. These additions are expected to strengthen Auxerre's defense and attacking options.

Auxerre has also been busy in pre-season, engaging in quite a number of friendlies to fine-tune their tactics and team chemistry. Notable results include the 2-0 win against Red Star FC, which proves that they are well-prepared for their first match in Ligue 1 against OGC Nice on 18 August 2024. It consequently made Auxerre optimistic about these new signings and the pre-season results that will allow them to make a strong impression in Ligue 1 after their promotion.

OGC Nice

OGC Nice will kick off the 2024/25 Ligue 1 campaign against Auxerre at the Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps. The recent meetings between both clubs had been tough to pick a winner, but OGC Nice are aiming to end that record in this match. They are the superior team in terms of experience and they intend to leverage that against Auxerre.

OGC Nice finished the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season in 5th place with a total of 55 points. They had 15 wins, 10 draws and 9 defeats throughout the season and in the end they secured a Europa League qualification ahead of the new season. In the preseason, OGC Nice had an unimpressive run, winning just 1 match in 5 while drawing 3 and losing 1.

Ahead of the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, Nice have been really busy on the transfer market, trying to reinforce this team. Notable among the new arrivals are Jonathan Clauss, who has joined from Marseille to deepen the defense, and Morgan Sanson, returning to Ligue 1 from Aston Villa to provide depth in midfield. Tanguy Ndombélé has also joined the team with experience gained at Tottenham Hotspur. On the other hand, the team has also witnessed some departures, and that includes players who lack experience being loaned out to different clubs. Nice, under coach Francesco Farioli, will be looking to take forward their strong defensive record they built last season into incorporating their new signings into one cohesive unit. Team strategy is most likely to remain solid at home and away, just like in the past season, and this turned out to be one of the reasons behind a top-five finish.

Head to Head

In the past 20 meetings, Nice and Auxerre won 8 matches while 4 matches ended in a draw

H2H Streaks

OGC Nice is unbeaten in 5 consecutive matches

8/10 matches ended with less than 2.5 goals

10 consecutive matches ended with less than 4.5 cards

Expert Betting Tips

Auxerre has been blowing hot and cold across performances. It may be a little tough on them to take on more settled Ligue 1 teams in the opening games due to the settling factor and the difference in class. This home advantage should see them get some confidence. While Nice is traditionally a strong mid-to-upper table team in Ligue 1, they will naturally perform well, especially against sides that either look to have a tough season ahead or have been promoted this season.

Auxerre Probably will be more defensive-minded, looking for counter-attacks. They can find it very hard to hold the ball against the well-skilled Nice. While Nice should dominate through the middle, get opportunities by flying along the flanks, hassle continuously. Nice's backline looked strong, and they should keep a clean slate if they can dictate play.

OGC Nice should be the favorite in this fixture due to its stronger depth of team, experience in Ligue 1, and superior current form. Auxerre may try to push the fight, most especially considering the game is at home, but Nice really should finish on top.

• Total Over 2 Goals at 1.61 Odds
• Both Teams to Score at 1.94 Odds
• OGC Nice Win 2-1 at 9.50 Odds