This Friday, April 25, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) take on Nice (5th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off 8.45pm, broadcast on DAZN) as part of the 31st day of Ligue 1 2024-2025. And as before every match, here’s a look at the Parisians’ opponents.
Nice’s situation –
Nice’s project is ambitious overall, but also a little vague, with several changes of coach in recent years. This summer, Franck Haise arrived after a successful spell at Lens, replacing Francesco Farioli, who left for Ajax Amsterdam.
The former Lens coach installed a more attacking philosophy after last season’s very defensive Nice. There were some great successes, but also some frustrating misses.
As a result, we’re 5th in Ligue 1, with hopes of qualifying for Europe next season and even the Champions League. But also to be knocked out in the league phase of the Europa League and in the last 8 of the Coupe de France against Stade Briochin (a National 2 club that PSG subsequently eliminated).
The 2024 summer mercato –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Winter market 2024/2025 –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key statistics –
This season, Nice has the 5th-best attack in the league with 56 goals scored (first-placed PSG have 83, and last-placed Montpellier have 22), and the 6th-best defense with 38 goals conceded (Paris have the best defense with 28, and last-placed Montpellier have 71).
Nice’s top scorer is Evann Guessand (23-year-old striker), who ranks 8th in the league with 11 goals (Ligue 1’s top scorer is Ousmane Dembélé with 21). Jonathan Clauss (32-year-old right-back/midfielder) is Nice’s top passer with 7 assists and is 9th in Ligue 1 (Bradley Barcola is first with 10 assists).
Last 5 Nice matches –
Only Nice possession is shown and Nice shots are put first (when data is available).
14/03/2025 (Ligue 1) -Nice (down to 10 at the 87th minute, 1-0)/Auxerre : 1-1. 3-4-3 formation. 52% possession. 20 shots, including 6 on target, against 10 shots (4 on target).
29/03/2025 (Ligue 1) – Monaco/Nice (10 men at 91st minute, 2-1): 2-1. 3-4-3 formation. 42% possession. 9 shots including 4 on target vs. 17 shots (6 on target).
04/04/2025 (Ligue 1) – Nice/Nantes : 1-2. 3-4-3 formation. 77% possession. 21 shots (9 on target) vs. 8 shots (4 on target).
04/12/2025 (Ligue 1) – Strasbourg/Nice: 2-2. 3-4-3 formation. 53% possession. 23 shots, including 6 on target, against 11 shots (4 on target).
20/04/2025 (Ligue 1) – Nice/Angers : 2-1. 3-4-3 formation. 54% possession. 22 shots including 8 on target vs. 6 shots (3 on target).
The squad and the probable team.
The team according to the press in 3-4-3 (L’Equipe) :
Boga – Laborde – Bouanani
Abdi – Rosario – Boudaoui – Clauss
Bard – Ndayishimiye – Abdelmonem
Bulka
Nice’s style of play.
Franck Haise’s attacking style at Lens has remained unchanged at Nice, even if he has to adapt a little to the squad. We’re back to a 3-man defense and the desire to play high, with intensity. We’re also keen to play high up the pitch, with intensity. Without hesitating to go forward quickly if possible.
It’s up to the Parisians to keep their wits about them and not be overwhelmed. Watch out for Nice’s determination to advance in the race for Europe. A fine preparation for PSG’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal. With the risk of missing out on a moment of determination that Nice could quickly capitalize on.
