Strasbourg vs Nice – News and Probable Lineups

Strasbourg seeks to maintain their momentum in Ligue 1 as they face the struggling Nice at the Stade de la Meinau on Saturday.

This matchup will mark one of two encounters between the teams in April, with Le Racing set to host Les Aiglons in the semi-finals of the Coupe de França on April 22, as they remain active in three competitions.

Match overview

Strasbourg is currently unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions and aims for a return to European football next season, needing a top-six finish in Ligue 1 for qualification. While they are currently in eighth place in the table, they trail in-form AS Mônaco, who are in sixth place, by six points.

Nonetheless, Gary O’Neil’s side could secure automatic qualification for next season’s Europa League group stage if they triumph in the UEFA Conference League, where they have reached the quarter-finals this year.

Despite their nine-match unbeaten streak, the hosts face challenges, having drawn four of their last six league outings, with their only wins during this stretch coming against Olympique Lyonnais and a thrilling 3-2 victory at Nantes shortly before the March international break.

The last four home matches across all competitions have ended in draws for Strasbourg, including a notable 1-1 tie against title-hopeful RC Lens and a goalless match with Paris FC.

Le Racing has secured seven wins out of their 13 home games this season, alongside three draws and three losses, and considering that Nice has only achieved three away wins while losing nine, it may present an opportunity to secure another home victory.

However, the Alsacians haven’t won any of their past five encounters with Nice, recording two draws and three losses, with their last success in this fixture occurring in May 2023, when they secured a 2-0 victory at the Stade de la Meinau.

After a heavy 4-0 defeat at home to Paris Saint-Germain, Nice’s manager Claude Puel might have used the international break to reassess his team’s strategy ahead of a pivotal period that could decide their season and survival in the top division.

While losses against league leaders PSG are often anticipated by many Ligue 1 teams, the nature of the defeat raised concerns for Le Gym, particularly in light of their poor recent league performance.

Puel’s squad has only managed one league victory in their last eight games, with four losses and three draws, with their sole win during this span coming against Angers. Their form since November 2025 has been especially troubling, with merely two wins from 17 league matches.

Interestingly, both of those victories during that 17-match stretch occurred away from home, which could provide some positive momentum for them as they head to Alsace this weekend.

Nice remains unbeaten in their last two trips to Strasbourg, scoring five goals in those fixtures, which could lend an extra boost leading into Saturday’s match.

Team News

Strasbourg has faced a significant setback as top scorer Joaquin Panichelli has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury sustained while on international duty, an injury that will also keep him from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Despite this setback, former Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has resumed training after missing Strasbourg’s last two matches before the break, while Blues loanee Aaron Anselmino is back in contention, and forward Emmanuel Emegha has also returned to first-team training following his thigh injury.

Junior Mwanga has recovered from a shoulder issue, but Diego Moreira and Abdoul Ouattara are limited to running drills and are doubtful for the fixture against Nice.

For Nice, Puel confirmed on Thursday that Ghanaian defender Kojo Peprah Oppong picked up a knock during international duty and is being evaluated ahead of the match, while Moise Bombito traveled with Canada as he continues his recovery from injury.

Isak Jansson is still a doubt due to a knee issue, Mohamed Ali-Cho is dealing with a foot injury, Mohamed Abdelmonem is sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear, midfielder Everton has an ankle complaint, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye is suspended following his red card against PSG.

Strasbourg possible starting lineup:

Penders; Hogsberg, Doukoure, Omobamidele, Doue; Ship, Described; Master-Cryer, Nanny, Godo; Fly

Nice possible starting lineup:

Diouf; Mendy, Dante, Bah; Clauss, Boudaoui, Samson, Vanhoutte, Bard; Diop, Wahi

This fixture has recently produced numerous goals, and we anticipate another fiercely contested clash on Saturday as both teams pursue vital points at this crucial juncture of the season.

Nevertheless, with leading scorer Panichelli unavailable for the remainder of the campaign, Strasbourg may encounter difficulties in their offensive efforts, potentially enhancing Nice’s prospects as they look for consecutive away victories for the first time this season, making a draw the most plausible outcome.