Nice Lyon 2025-10-18 18:00 Betting tips

Nice are showing inconsistent form, having secured only two wins in the first seven Ligue 1 matchdays. In their last five matches across all competitions, the team has suffered three defeats, including a crushing 1-4 loss to Brest and an away defeat to Le Havre (1-3). Their only victory during this stretch was a 1-0 home win over Nantes. Notably, in three of their last five games, Nice have conceded two or more goals, pointing to systemic defensive issues. However, the team looks more solid at home: in four league matches at their own ground, they have conceded just three goals and secured two wins.

Lyon, in contrast, are posting confident results, sitting fourth in the table with five wins from seven matchdays. Their LWWLW form demonstrates an ability to bounce back quickly from losses. In their last five matches across all competitions, they have secured three victories, including two in the Europa League. It's important to note that Lyon are showing high attacking efficiency and defensive reliability on the road: in three away league matches, the team has scored three goals and conceded three, securing two wins. In their latest away game in the Europa League against Utrecht, they grinded out a narrow 1-0 victory, underscoring their ability to play pragmatically.

The head-to-head statistics are overwhelmingly in Lyon's favor. In the last three direct encounters, Lyon have claimed three victories with an aggregate score of 7:1. In the last two matches, Nice have failed to score a single goal against Lyon. At home in March 2025, Nice lost 0:2. This series creates a significant psychological advantage for the visitors.

From a tactical perspective, the match will likely be defined by the clash between Nice's defense and Lyon's attacking line. Nice, playing at home, will try to control possession and apply pressure, but their vulnerability in defensive organization, especially against rapid counter-attacks, was evident in matches against Brest and Roma. Lyon possess the necessary discipline and speed to launch precise counter-attacks. The visiting team rarely concedes away from home – averaging 1.0 goal per game in the league, and their organized defense will be a serious test for Nice's inconsistent attack, which averages 1.25 goals in home matches.

Considering the current form, head-to-head record, and tactical aspects, Lyon appear as the favorites for the upcoming match. The team demonstrates greater defensive solidity and attacking efficiency, and also holds a distinct psychological advantage. Nice, struggling with defensive issues, are unlikely to contain the visitors' organized attacks, especially in light of recent heavy defeats. A Lyon victory is predicted with a scoreline of 0-2 or 1-2, where the visitors convert their chances on the counter, and Nice either fail to reply or score a single goal, possibly from a penalty.