Preview: Clermont vs. Nice - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts have showcased great attacking qualities and defensive frailties in their opening two matches, but with three points already on the board, the squad is now aiming to keep climbing the table.

Match preview

Clermont had a nightmare start to the new season on the opening day when they were systematically taken apart by Paris Saint Germain, which led to a 5-0 defeat to get things going.

The situation went from bad to worst in the first half of the following game against bottom-of-the-league Reims when they were two goals behind, but the squad then showcased what it is truly capable of.

Despite the difficult situation they were in, Clermont responded in the second half by going on to win the game 4-2 following goals from Jeremie Bela, Muhammed Saracevic, and a brace courtesy of Komnen Andric.

The fanbase will be hoping to see a repeat of that 45-minute display this weekend, but the defensive concerns from last season appear to have crept into the new campaign as well.

Clermont only narrowly avoided relegation during the 2021-22 season, and that is a situation that the squad will be keen to avoid, and picking up points early can help in that matter.

For the visitors, they head into the back of this one on a three-match streak without a victory in all competitions to kick things off, which includes a defeat in their most recent outing.

That one came in the Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Maccabi Tel-Aviv where a 74th-minute goal was enough to decide the game, putting pressure on the French side for the upcoming second match next week.

However, they cannot afford to look past Sunday's match after their Ligue 1 campaign has started with consecutive draws against Toulouse and Strasbourg.

Aaron Ramsey was able to score on his league debut for the club which was a positive sign for them, while Andy Delort has continued to prove he is ever reliable in front of goal.

Each of those draws ended 1-1, therefore defensively there are not as many concerns surrounding Nice as their opponents, but the need to score more is certainly clear.

Clermont Ligue 1 form:

Clermont form (all competitions):

Nice Ligue 1 form:

Nice form (all competitions):

Team News

Clermont are expected to be without Grejohn Kyei due to a calf injury, and Mehdi Zeffane is also unavailable because of a hamstring problem, stretching their options.

The focus in this match will certainly be on defensive aspects after conceding seven goals in two games, and changes could end up being brought in to combat that.

New Nice signing Kasper Schmeichel is still searching for his first clean sheet since making the move from Leicester City during this transfer window, but he is sure to start in goal for the visitors.

Ramsey has impressed as a substitute in the opening two league games for the visitors, and he could be a viable option to have earned a place in the starting lineup this time around.

Clermont possible starting lineup:

Diaw; Borges, Ogier, Wieteska, Seidu; Gastien, Magnin; Rashani, Saracevic, Allevinah; Andric

Nice possible starting lineup:

Schmeichel; Bard, Dante, Todibo, Lotomba; Thuram, Lemina; Ilie, Gouiri, Stengs; Delort

We say: Clermont 2-2 Nice

It is hard to predict which version of Clermont will show up for any given game right now, but one thing that is guaranteed with them is goals due to their defensive and offensive players.

While Nice are still searching for their first victory of the season, there is a lot of work that still needs to be done to find their best form as well, which could lead to them battling out a draw on this occasion.

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