Nice vs Monaco: Ligue 1 Derby Preview and Prediction

The sun-kissed French Riviera is set to ignite once again as OGC Nice welcomes AS Monaco to the Allianz Riviera for the final Derby de la Cote d'Azur of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season. Scheduled for February 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM, this clash pits two Southern France powerhouses against each other in a battle that could define their European aspirations. Nice, sitting 13th in the table, desperately needs a home win to climb out of mid-table mediocrity, while Monaco, three places above in 10th, looks to build on a recent 4-0 thrashing of Rennes. Our in-depth preview covers team news, form guides, tactical insights, and a bold prediction—perfect for fans tracking Ligue 1 standings and football predictions.

Match Preview: Nice's Home Revival vs Monaco's Attacking Spark

For Nice, the stakes couldn't be higher. Les Aiglons kicked off 2026 with a gritty 2-2 draw against Brest, extending their unbeaten run in the league to two games after a dismal six-match losing streak to close out 2025. Under the guidance of former Monaco manager Claude Puel—who returned for a second stint—the team is showing flickers of life. However, their home form remains a concern; Nice hasn't tasted victory at the Allianz Riviera in Ligue 1 since a 2-0 win over Lille in October. Currently nine points adrift of Rennes for a UEFA Conference League spot, Puel's side must capitalize on a five-match unbeaten streak across all competitions at home.

History favors Nice slightly in this fixture. They claimed a 2-1 victory over Monaco here last season and have earned points in two of their last three home encounters against the visitors. Key to their recent resilience has been an improving attack, with goals from loanee Elye Wahi and defender Ali Abdi in the Brest draw. Yet, defensive frailties persist, especially with injuries mounting. If Nice can harness the passion of the Derby de la Cote d'Azur, this could be the turning point for a European push.

Nice's Form Guide

Ligue 1: L L D L W D
All Competitions: L W W L D W

The Aiglons' momentum is building, but consistency eludes them. Their last six league games yielded just four points, underscoring the need for a statement win. At home, they've been tough to break down lately, conceding just once in their last three Allianz outings.

Monaco's Resurgence: From Slump to Statement Win

Across the border in the Principality, Monaco finally exhaled last weekend with a dominant 4-0 rout of Rennes—their first win of 2026 and a cure for a five-match winless Ligue 1 streak. That performance exploded for four goals, tripling their output from the prior four games combined. Manager Sebastien Pocognoli, aiming for back-to-back league triumphs for just the second time in his tenure, will look to end Monaco's four-game away winless run in the process.

Les Monegasques sit 12 points behind Lyon for Champions League qualifiers, but their advancement to the UCL knockout stage via Europe provides a morale boost. Away form, however, is a red flag: they've failed to score in their last three Ligue 1 road games and shipped 10 goals in four competitive away fixtures this year. Despite this, Monaco has a strong record at Nice, earning points in five of their previous six visits and scoring in seven straight away games against Les Aiglons. The attack, ignited by goals from Ansu Fati, Maghnes Akliouche, Mamadou Coulibaly, and Stanis Idumbo last time out, could exploit Nice's vulnerabilities if Pocognoli's side clicks.

Monaco's Form Guide

Ligue 1: L L L L D W
All Competitions: L L D D W L

January was forgettable for Monaco, but February's opener signals a potential turnaround. Goalkeeper Philipp Kohn's five saves for a clean sheet against Rennes highlight defensive solidity when it matters.

Team News and Possible Lineups

Injuries continue to plague both squads, adding intrigue to this derby.

Nice Team News

Striker Terem Moffi and winger Jeremie Boga are doubtful with illness, while left-back Melvin Bard nurses a groin issue and center-back Moise Bombito deals with a lower leg problem. Midfielders Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Mohamed Abdelmonem remain sidelined by ACL tears. Puel may rely on the creativity of Morgan Sanson and Hicham Boudaoui in midfield to support forwards like Wahi.

Possible Nice Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Dupe; Clauss, Dante, Oppong, Abdi; Vanhoutte, Boudaoui; Cho, Sanson, Diop; Wahi

Monaco Team News

The visitors face a lengthy injury list: Paul Pogba, Mohamed Salisu, Takumi Minamino, and Lukas Hradecky are out with knee problems. Wout Faes is touch-and-go with an ankle sprain, and Eric Dier, Christian Mawissa, and Folarin Balogun are sidelined by hamstring strains. Emerging talents like Fati and Akliouche will be crucial, with Aleksandr Golovin pulling strings in midfield.

Possible Monaco Starting Lineup (4-3-3):

Kohn; Teze, Kehrer, Zakaria; Vanderson, Coulibaly, Camara, Ouattara; Fati, Golovin; Biereth

Head-to-Head and Key Battles

This fixture has delivered drama over the years, with Monaco holding a slight edge overall but Nice unbeaten in their last two home derbies. Expect fireworks in midfield, where Boudaoui vs. Camara could dictate the tempo. Up top, Wahi's pace will test Monaco's backline, while Fati's dribbling poses threats to Nice's defense. The crowd at Allianz Riviera—known for its electric atmosphere—could swing momentum if Nice starts strong.

Prediction: Nice 2-1 Monaco

Monaco's inconsistency this season, particularly on the road, contrasts with Nice's budding home momentum. Les Aiglons' attack is clicking, and the derby fire should fuel a narrow victory. While Monaco's recent goals suggest danger, their defensive woes away from Stade Louis II tip the scales. Expect a tense, goal-filled affair ending 2-1 to the hosts, boosting Puel's push for European football.

For more Ligue 1 action, check our previews for Nice vs. Montpellier and Nice vs. Brest. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for live updates, scores, and post-match analysis on this unmissable Derby de la Cote d'Azur.