The stage is set for a high-octane clash as OGC Nice and AS Saint Etienne face off in the Round of 64 of the Coupe de France on December 21, 2025, at the Allianz Riviera. With both teams desperate to shake off recent struggles, this encounter serves not only as a battle for progression in one of football's most storied tournaments but also a test of character for squads teetering on the brink. Will Nice find their footing against a resurging Saint Etienne? Or will the Greens pull off an upset, feeding off their newfound momentum?
Predicted Lineups: Nice: GK: Yehvann Diouf, DEF: Melvin Bard, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Antoine Mendy, Jonathan Clauss, MID: Sofiane Diop, Morgan Sanson, Charles Vanhoutte, Hicham Boudaoui; FWD: Isak Jansson, Mohamed-Ali Cho. Saint Etienne: GK: Gautier Larsonneur, DEF: Mickael Nade, Benjamin Old, Maxime Bernauer; MID: Florian Tardieu (c), Mahmoud Jaber, Igor Miladinović; FWD: Irvin Cardona, Zuriko Davitashvili; SUBS/ROTATION AS NEEDED
The stakes couldn't be higher. Nice finds themselves on a downward spiral-winless in five matches and with just one goal to show for it in their last three encounters across all competitions. A string of disheartening losses culminated in their latest setback against Lens (0-2). Meanwhile, Saint Etienne's form has been polar opposite. They come into this match riding the wave of a dominant offensive display in their Coupe de France match against Ecotay Moingt (11-1), followed by a respectable draw with Bastia that highlighted their attacking prowess.
Analyzing Nice's recent performances reveals stark deficiencies. While they enjoy greater possession-over 50% consistently-they struggle to translate that control into tangible scoring opportunities. Their most recent outing against SC Braga showcased this trend; despite dominating possession (38% vs. 62%), they mustered only three shots on target throughout the match-a shocking figure considering they had more total shots than Braga! And yet none found the back of the net.
In contrast, Saint Etienne thrives on their efficient use of possession and pressing style. They dominated Bastia with an astonishing 77% ball control and fired off 16 shots-10 on target-in a thrilling draw that underlined their capacity to create scoring chances from limited possessions. This pattern will serve them well against an under-pressure Nice side that has shown vulnerability when faced with high-tempo opponents.
Diving deeper into individual player statistics sheds light on key figures who could turn this match around. For Nice, watch out for Sofiane Diop, who may hold the key to reviving their stagnant attack after scoring six goals this season across all competitions while boasting a commendable average rating of 6.71 from his starts. Meanwhile, newcomer Mohamed-Ali Cho provides raw speed and potential but needs better service if he hopes to capitalize on his three-goal contribution thus far.
On the other hand, look no further than Zuriko Davitashvili, whose two goals against Bastia exemplify his clinical touch right now-his knack for finding space and capitalizing on defensive lapses could put immense pressure on Nice's defense. Another player generating buzz is midfielder Florian Tardieu, who can dictate play from deep while ensuring there are dynamic options upfront via well-timed passes-a role he fulfills excellently with an impressive pass completion rate hovering around 69%.
This tactical chess game centers on possession battles versus clinical finishing-a dilemma that surfaces sharply when comparing both sides' shooting statistics. Over their last five matches combined: Nice has managed only four shots on goal per game at an xG ratio that indicates low conversion rates -almost laughable considering they've had double-digit attempts consistently! Meanwhile Saint Etienne boasts upwards of ten total shots during these same matches-making them far more likely to capitalize should they continue pressing forward relentlessly.
As we approach kickoff day amid swirling narratives filled with tension and desire for redemption from both teams' rosters-a haunting question looms large over Allianz Riviera: Can Nice break free from this malaise? Alternatively-is it possible for Saint Etienne to upset these odds once again? Given how aligned these current trends seem-the likelihood skews heavily towards either stumbling under expectation or rising up fiercely as tournament regulars tend to do!
When all is said and done-and factoring every statistical insight layered upon tactical preferences-it is difficult not to see how crucial that initial punch will be within this fixture: Nice possesses talented players eager to redeem themselves while relying upon superior ball skills yet faltering efficiency looks certain amidst such crisis conditions right now...inversely highlighting aspects showcasing how hungry early goals could energize an unyielding Green squad eager to solidify away victories.
Consequently! Expect AS Saint Etienne NOT ONLY TO SNATCH AN EARLY LEAD THROUGH DYNAMIC PLAY BUT ULTIMATELY TRIUMPH IN THIS KO SHOWDOWN BY THE FINAL WHISTLE! Watch them soar past expectations & dent any hopes felt near Côte d'Azur...They'll aim beyond advancing rounds after hammering home precise finishing under fluctuating tactical waves inherent amongst each club preparing fiercely through new development paths seemingly unveiled week-in-week-out today!