The 13th round of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season kicks off with a thrilling encounter at the Allianz Riviera, where OGC Nice host Olympique de Marseille on Friday night. Both teams are chasing Champions League qualification and will be eager to make a statement after the international break. Nice, who had climbed back into the top half of the table after a slow start, have recently stumbled again, while Marseille arrive in excellent domestic form and could temporarily take the top spot in Ligue 1 with a win.

OGC Nice’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Nice have experienced a rollercoaster start to their campaign. After a strong run of five unbeaten matches that included victories over Lyon (3-2), Rennes (1-2), and Lille (2-0), the Aiglons have since suffered back-to-back defeats in Ligue 1. They fell 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain and then 2-1 away to Metz before the international break, dropping to ninth place in the standings. Their overall league record stands at 5 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses, with an average of 1.4 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per match.

Franck Haise’s men have also struggled in Europe, losing all four of their Europa League group stage fixtures. The Allianz Riviera, however, remains a ground where Nice often start well — they have won at half time in their last three home matches and in six of their last ten overall. Despite this, the team’s defensive consistency has been an issue, as they have conceded in most of their recent outings.

In terms of personnel, Nice are dealing with several absences. Moïse Bombito and Youssouf Ndayishimiye are sidelined through injury, while Dante, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Hicham Boudaoui, and Tanguy Ndombélé remain doubtful. On a positive note, goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf has rediscovered his best form, and Sofiane Diop continues to impress with six goals already this season, making him one of the most effective attacking threats in Ligue 1.

Olympique de Marseille’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Marseille have been far more convincing domestically than in Europe. While their Champions League campaign has been disappointing, with three defeats in four matches, their Ligue 1 form has been excellent. Roberto De Zerbi’s side sit second in the table with 8 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, averaging 2.3 goals scored and 0.9 conceded per game. They come into this fixture after a commanding 3-0 win over Brest and a narrow 1-0 victory at Auxerre, following a 2-2 draw with Angers.

Marseille’s attack has been one of the most prolific in the league. Mason Greenwood is currently the second-highest scorer in Ligue 1 with eight goals, supported by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Igor Paixao, and Robinio Vaz. In midfield, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg provides balance and leadership, while the defense, marshalled by Benjamin Pavard and the returning Leonardo Balerdi, has been difficult to break down. The only concern for De Zerbi is the growing injury list, with Amir Murillo, Facundo Medina, Hamed Junior Traoré, and Amine Gouiri all unavailable, and Nayef Aguerd doubtful.

Statistically, Marseille have been remarkably consistent in the second half of matches, with over 0.5 goals scored after the break in 38 of their last 40 games. They have also avoided defeat at half time in 20 of their last 21 fixtures, showing their ability to control games early on. Away from home, they tend to start cautiously, having drawn at half time in seven of their last eight Ligue 1 trips.

Nice vs Marseille Prediction and Tactical Overview

This Côte d’Azur derby promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the weekend. Both sides possess attacking quality, and recent trends suggest a lively contest. Nice will rely heavily on Sofiane Diop’s creativity and finishing, while Marseille’s front line, led by Mason Greenwood, has been clinical in recent weeks. The Aiglons’ defensive absences could prove costly against such an efficient opponent.

Historically, Nice have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of the last five meetings, including a 2-0 victory in January 2025. However, Marseille’s current momentum and superior league position make them slight favorites heading into this clash. With both teams regularly involved in high-scoring matches — Over 2.5 goals has landed in 65% of their recent games — fans can expect an open and entertaining encounter under the lights at the Allianz Riviera.

Marseille’s ability to maintain intensity throughout the 90 minutes, combined with their attacking depth, could be decisive. Nice, meanwhile, will need to rediscover the defensive discipline that characterized their early-season form if they are to stop the visitors from taking all three points.

Nice vs Marseille prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is a Marseille win (2) with a 49% probability. The Draw (X) follows at 22%, while a Nice win (1) stands at 28%.