Preview: Strasbourg vs Nice - prediction, team news, lineups

Strasbourg will aim to continue their push in Ligue 1 when they host struggling Nice at the Stade de la Meinau on Saturday.

This will be one of two meetings between the sides in April, as Le Racing, who remain involved in three competitions, are also set to host Les Aiglons in the Coupe de France semi-final on April 22.

Match preview

Unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions, Strasbourg are pushing for a return to European football next season, with a top-six finish in Ligue 1 guaranteeing qualification, although they currently sit eighth in the table, six points behind in-form AS Monaco in sixth place.

However, Gary O’Neil’s side could still secure automatic qualification for next season’s Europa League league phase if they win the UEFA Conference League, where they have reached the quarter-finals this campaign.

Despite their nine-match unbeaten run, there are concerns for the hosts after drawing four of their last six league games, with their only victories in that period coming against Olympique Lyonnais and a dramatic 3-2 win at Nantes just before the March international break.

Three of their most recent four home matches in all tournaments have ended in stalemates, including a 1-1 draw against title-chasing RC Lens and a goalless game with Paris FC.

Le Racing have won seven of their 13 home matches this season, alongside three draws and three defeats, and facing a Nice side that have won only three away games while losing nine could provide them with an opportunity to add another victory in front of their supporters.

The Alsacians have failed to win any of their last five meetings with Nice, recording two draws and three defeats, with their last victory in this fixture coming in a 2-0 win at the Stade de la Meinau in May 2023.

© Imago / Sportimage

Following a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Nice manager Claude Puel may have welcomed the international break as an opportunity to reassess his side ahead of a crucial run-in that could determine their season and top-flight status.

While defeats to league leaders PSG are often expected for most Ligue 1 sides, the manner of the loss raised concerns for Le Gym, particularly given their poor recent league record.

Puel’s side have managed just one top-flight win in their last eight matches, alongside four defeats and three draws, with their only victory during that run coming away at Angers, while their form since November 2025 has been particularly worrying, with just two wins in 17 league matches.

Interestingly, both victories in that 17-match run have come away from home, which could provide the visitors with some confidence ahead of their trip to Alsace this weekend.

Nice are unbeaten in their last two visits to Strasbourg and have scored five goals across those matches, which could serve as an additional boost ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

Strasbourg Ligue 1 form:

Strasbourg form (all competitions):

Nice Ligue 1 form:

Nice form (all competitions):

Team News

© Imago

Strasbourg have suffered a major blow with top scorer Joaquin Panichelli ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining an ACL injury on international duty, a setback that will also see him miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Despite that setback, former Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has returned to training after missing Strasbourg’s final two matches before the break, while Blues loanee Aaron Anselmino is back in the squad and forward Emmanuel Emegha has also resumed first-team training following a thigh injury.

Junior Mwanga has recovered from a shoulder problem, but Diego Moreira and Abdoul Ouattara were limited to running and remain doubtful for the clash against Nice.

For the visitors, Puel confirmed on Thursday that Ghanaian defender Kojo Peprah Oppong suffered a knock during international duty and will be assessed ahead of the match, while Moise Bombito travelled with Canada as he continues his recovery from injury.

Isak Jansson remains a doubt with a knee issue, Mohamed Ali-Cho is dealing with a foot injury, Mohamed Abdelmonem is out with a cruciate ligament tear, midfielder Everton has an ankle problem, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye is suspended following his red card against PSG.

Strasbourg possible starting lineup:

Penders; Hogsberg, Doukoure, Omobamidele, Doue; Barco, Oyedele; Amo-Ameyaw, Nanasi, Godo; Fofana

Nice possible starting lineup:

Diouf; Mendy, Dante, Bah; Clauss, Boudaoui, Sanson, Vanhoutte, Bard; Diop, Wahi

We say: Strasbourg 1-1 Nice

This fixture has produced goals in recent meetings, and we expect another competitive encounter on Saturday as both teams chase crucial points at a decisive stage of the season.

However, with leading scorer Panichelli ruled out for the rest of the campaign, Strasbourg could struggle in attack, which may boost Nice’s chances as they search for consecutive away victories for the first time this season, making another stalemate the most likely outcome.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.