Nice will invite Rangers to Allianz Riviera in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. The hosts have endured a winless start to their campaign, with two losses in four games. The Gers have recorded two wins and are in 10th place in the standings.
Les Aiglons have seen an upturn in form and are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions. They returned to winning ways after back-to-back 2-2 draws last week with a 2-1 away win over Strasbourg in Ligue 1. They had conceded in the first half and Melvin Bard equalized in the 54th minute. An own goal from Loubadhe Abakar Sylla helped them record a comeback win.
The visitors are unbeaten in their last four games with two wins and two draws. They resumed their Scottish Premiership campaign after the international break with a 1-1 draw against Dundee United last week. Václav Černý bagged the equalizer in the second half.
The hosts played out a 2-2 draw against Twente in their previous Europa League outing. Both teams had a player sent off in the second half of that match. The Gers were held to a 1-1 draw against Olympiacos last time around.
After going winless in six games between September and October, Le Gym have won three of their last five games. Interestingly, they have won just one of their last six home games in the Europa League, conceding 12 times.
Morgan Sanson, Terem Moffi, Antoine Mendy, and Victor Orakpo are sidelined with injuries. Ali Abdi, Jonathan Clauss, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye are also unlikely to start. Sofiane Diop and Moise Bombito will serve suspensions here.
The visitors have seen under 2.5 goals in their last three games, scoring one goal apiece while keeping one clean sheet. They have scored at least once in six of their last seven away games and will look to build on that form.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo picked up a knee injury during the international break and is a long-term absentee. Rabbi Matondo and Tom Lawrence are also unavailable for the trip to Nice.
Les Aiglons have an unbeaten home record this season and, considering their recent upturn in form, they are expected to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Nice 2-1 Rangers
Tip 1: Result - Nice to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Both Teams to Score - Yes