4. Previous matchup
Nice and Monaco have already met once this season. It was clearly not Monaco’s day as they were dismantled by the homeside 4-0. Balotelli recorded a brace and Plea, despite missing a penalty, also got on the score sheet along with defender Baysee. It was a total domination for Nice and gave them a lot of confidence in the league.
Summer loanee Youness Belhanda got the start that day at striker next to Balotelli. He did record an assist to the big Italian and had an overall solid match. He will not be available due to injury, so it is likely that Plea and Balotelli will start up top for Nice. Belhanda is due to return in a week or so, and the club will be happy to get him back into the lineup as soon as possible.
Since the matchup, Monaco have switched to a 442 shape with Falcao and Germain up top. This change is continually proving to be a positive one as the team has scored three or more goals in 12 matches since their collapse against Nice. Their potent offense is an evident part of their success, so Nice will need to continue their defensive masterclass and take the highlights from the reverse fixture into this match.