Both Nice and Real Sociedad will look to get off to a winning start in this season’s Europa League when the pair go up against each other at the Allianz Riviera on Wednesday night.
After missing out on a place in Europe last season, Nice find themselves back in UEFA’s secondary club competition this term, where they last appeared during the 2020-21 campaign.
Now under the guidance of Franck Haise, the Eaglets find themselves occupying seventh spot in Ligue 1 after five rounds of fixtures.
The French Riviera outfit warmed up for this clash in extraordinary fashion as they eviscerated St Etienne 8-0 on Friday night.
As for Real Sociedad, they have made a real sluggish start to the season in La Liga, as they are currently languishing in 16th place with just one win from seven.
Imanol Alguacil steered his side to the last 16 of the Champions League for just the second time in their history last term so that should stand them in good stead in Europe’s second tier this term.
How the bookies view it: Nice to see three points
Nice are 13/10 favourites on Betano to bank all three points from their first continental contest of the campaign.
Real Sociedad are as big as 19/10 (Betano) to hit the ground running at the Allianz Riviera, while a point apiece is also on offer at 19/10 (Betano) with the same firm.
Head to head: A first-ever encounter
Nice and Real Sociedad will cross paths for the first time ever on the continental circuit on Wednesday night.
It’s worth noting that Real Sociedad’s European journey came to an end against French opposition last season, as they were eliminated from the Champions League 4-1 on aggregate by PSG.
Players to watch: Moukoko to make his mark?
Youssoufa Moukoko bagged a brace in Nice's aforementioned 8-0 annihilation of St Etienne on Friday night, making the German ace a standout selection in the anytime goalscorer market at 7/2 on Bet 365.
Martin Zubimendi was cautioned during Real Sociedad's 0-0 draw with Real Valladolid at the weekend and the Spanish international is 13/5 (Bet 365) to collect another card this midweek.
Predicted line-ups
Nice remain without injured quartet Gaetan Laborde, Hicham Boudaoui, Morgan Sanson and Terem Moffi.
Real Sociedad also have a relatively busy treatment table at the moment, with Arsen Zakharyan, Brais Mendez, Hamari Traore,and Urko Gonzalez all currently out of action.
Nice: Bulka; Ndayishimiye, Bombito, Dante; Clauss, Rosario, Ndombele, Bard; Cho, Guessand, Moukoko
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; S Gomez, Benat, Zubimendi, Sucic, Kubo; Oyarzabal
Anything else catch the eye?
Goals are usually at a premium when Real Sociedad are involved, and that is reflected in the odds here, with under 2.5 strikes currently chalked up at a general 8/15.
However, an alternative angle of attack with a view to opposing goals could be to back under two strikes in each half at 10/11.
This bet would have paid out in four of the visitors’ last six matches, so there is plenty of scope for a repeat at the Allianz Riviera on Wednesday night.
This UEFA Europa League match between Nice and Real Sociedad will be played on Sep 25, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Nice vs Real Sociedad prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
