Nice vs Benfica Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26 qualifiers third round 1st leg

The previous confrontation between these sides ended in favour of the Portuguese giants.

OGC Nice are all set to host SL Benfica in the third round fixture’s first leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League qualifiers. The interesting contest between these clubs will take place at the Allianz Riviera.

OGC Nice at home will be keen on taking advantage here. The Ligue 1 side will be feeling confident as they are coming in after taking down Sheffield United in their previous fixture. Even though it was a club-friendly fixture, Nice were pushed to their limits.

The Liga Portugal side Benfica will be coming in after clinching the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira title after defeating Sporting CP. It was a close contest, but they maintained their calm and composure, which helped them secure their title win. For their upcoming game, the team will be away from home.

Kick-off:

• Location: Nice, France
• Stadium: Allianz Riviera
• Date: Thursday, August 7
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST (Wednesday, August 6; 07:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: Michael Oliver
• VAR: In use

Form:

Nice: W-W-W-L-W

Benfica: W-W-L-W-W

Players to Watch

Terem Moffi (Nice)

The 26-year-old forward from Nigeria will come up with an important role in the attacking front. He scored a goal for OGC Nice in their previous game against Sheffield United. With his style of play, Terem Moffi is going to cause trouble for the opponents.

Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)

Vangelis Pavlidis scored the match-winner to help his team lift the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira title. It was a good effort by the whole team, but Pavlidis was the best performer as he scored an important goal. He is going to play an important role in the attacking front for the visitors.

Match Facts

• This will only be the third-ever meeting between these teams.
• Benfica are on a two-match winning streak.
• Nice have won two of their last three games.

Nice vs Benfica: Betting Tips and Odds

• Benfica to win
• Vangelis Pavlidis to score
• Goals under 3.5

Injury and Team News

Mohamed Abdelmonem, Sofiane Diop and Youssouf Ndayishimiye are injured, hence keeping them out for Nice.

The Portuguese club, on the other hand, will be without the services of Alexander Bah, Bruma and Manu Silva as they are injured.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 2

Nice won: 0

Benfica won: 2

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Nice predicted lineup (5-3-2)

Diouf (GK); Clauss, Mendy, Bah, Dante, Bard; Bouanani, Boudaoui, Sanson; Jansson, Moffi

Benfica predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Trubin (GK); Dedic, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Barrenechea, Barreiro; Aursnes, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu

Match Prediction

This is going to be one intense fixture between these clubs as they look in similar form. The visitors are likely to come out on top with a victory against OGC Nice.

Prediction: Nice 1-2 Benfica

Telecast Details

TBD

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