Nice vs Real Sociedad Prediction: 25/9/2024

OGC Nice is back on the European stage and aims to make a strong impression in this revamped version of the Europa League, though they face a tough challenge against Real Sociedad tonight and Lazio later on. None of these matches will be easy for the Aiglons, who haven’t had the smoothest start to their domestic campaign.

On a less-than-ideal pitch, Nice lost their season opener 2-1 away to AJ Auxerre and then settled for a 1-1 draw at home against Toulouse. However, before the international break, they secured an impressive 4-1 win over promoted side Angers. Ahead of their first European fixture, Nice played against Marseille at the Vélodrome and hosted Saint-Étienne over the weekend.

Real Sociedad, who qualified for the Champions League last season before being eliminated by PSG in the Round of 16, finds itself competing in the Europa League this year. Despite dropping down a level, Sociedad is not a team to be underestimated, even though they lost several key players during the summer transfer window.

In La Liga, they had a shaky start with only one narrow victory over newly promoted Espanyol (1-0), while suffering home defeats to Vallecano (2-1) and Alaves (2-1). Following the international break, Sociedad faced Real Madrid at home in search of their first home victory and traveled to Mallorca last weekend.

Nice coach Frank Haise has faced some significant challenges with injuries, as four key players—Moffi, Laborde, Boudaoui, and Sanson (formerly of OM)—are sidelined. Midfielder Sofiane Diop is expected to return to Ligue 1 action soon. However, Ivorian forward Evan Guessand, who scored twice against Angers, is fit and ready, along with Mohamed-Ali Cho (formerly of Real Sociedad), midfielder Ndombélé, and French international Clauss.

On the other hand, Real Sociedad has seen several key departures and injuries. Central defender Robin Le Normand, a European champion with Spain, has moved to Atlético Madrid, and Merino, another European champion, joined Arsenal.

Injuries to Elustondo, Odriozola, and Zakharyan have weakened their squad further. Adding to their troubles, crucial midfielder Brais Mendez is out with a metatarsal fracture, and right-back Hamari Traoré is also sidelined with a long-term injury. However, they will rely on Japanese star Kubo (who scored seven goals in La Liga last season), captain Mikel Oyarzabal, and talented youngster Ander Barrenetxea.

 

Prediction

Nice has been in excellent form at home recently, securing six victories in an unbeaten run, which should boost their confidence going into this match. In contrast, Real Sociedad has struggled away from home in the Europa League, failing to win any of their last 11 away matches and suffering nine defeats.

Prediction: Nice 1-0 Real Sociedad