Match Preview
The Ligue 1 calendar resumes in 2026 with an intriguing Round 17 clash as OGC Nice host RC Strasbourg Alsace at the Allianz Riviera on Saturday 3 January 2026. Nice are looking to stabilise in mid-table, while Strasbourg arrive in strong shape and aiming to push on toward the European places.
Nice currently sit in 13th place, and home games like this are crucial if they want to move away from the congested lower half of the standings. Their recent run has been difficult, but a fresh start in the new year offers the chance to reset, tighten up defensively and rediscover their attacking rhythm.
Strasbourg, in contrast, arrive in 7th and have shown they can compete with anyone in the division on their day. They combine organisation without the ball with sharp movement in transition, and their confidence has been fuelled by positive results both in Ligue 1 and in Europe.
Historically, this fixture has been relatively balanced. Across their modern meetings, Nice have a slight edge in wins, but Strasbourg have also enjoyed their share of success, with plenty of draws mixed in – a sign that margins are usually fine when these two clubs face off.
TV Broadcast and Livestreams
Broadcast and streaming options vary by country. Fans should check their local Ligue 1 rights holders and the official media channels of both clubs for confirmed coverage and kick-off details.
Match Information
| Fixture | OGC Nice vs RC Strasbourg Alsace |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 3 January 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 18:00 UTC (19:00 local time, Nice) |
| Venue | Allianz Riviera, Nice, France |
| Competition | Ligue 1 Uber Eats 2025/26 – Round 17 |
| Home Team | OGC Nice |
| Away Team | RC Strasbourg Alsace |
Ligue 1 Table Context
Heading into this fixture, the league table places the two sides in very different positions: Nice are trying to climb away from the lower mid-table group, while Strasbourg sit inside the top seven and are firmly in the mix for European qualification.
| Team | Current Rank | Situation | Main Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| OGC Nice | 13th | Struggling for consistency, especially after a difficult run of results. | Use home advantage to climb toward mid-table safety. |
| RC Strasbourg Alsace | 7th | Solid first half of the season with a realistic push for Europe.:contentReference | Keep building momentum and stay close to the European spots. |
Form Guide & Key Storylines
OGC Nice
- Recent form: A tough recent spell with several defeats, including home losses that have dented confidence.
- Key aim: tighten up at the back and make Allianz Riviera a difficult place to visit again.
- Opportunity: a positive result against a top-seven opponent could reset the mood quickly.
Nice will look to rediscover the compact, disciplined style that previously made them hard to beat, while still finding ways to involve their attacking players in dangerous areas.
RC Strasbourg Alsace
- Recent form: Mixed but generally positive, with wins in Europe and some solid league results keeping them in the upper half.
- Key aim: show they can control tricky away fixtures as well as home games.
- Opportunity: an away win here would strengthen their European credentials.
Strasbourg’s confidence will come from their ability to stay compact, then suddenly accelerate into space when they win the ball back, especially down the flanks.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
Nice and Strasbourg have met frequently in Ligue 1 over the last two decades. Overall, Nice hold a narrow lead in total wins, with Strasbourg not far behind and a significant number of draws, underlining how competitive this fixture tends to be.
Recent seasons have seen a mix of results: Nice have enjoyed home victories, Strasbourg have recorded wins of their own, and there have been high-scoring encounters as well as tighter, cagey contests. This unpredictability only adds to the intrigue ahead of the latest meeting.
Tactical Outlook
OGC Nice: possession with protection
- Controlled build-up: look to play through midfield rather than rushing long balls, but avoid risky passes in central zones.
- Use the flanks: full-backs and wide players will be key to creating crossing and cut-back situations.
- Rest defence: maintain a solid structure behind the ball to guard against Strasbourg counters.
- Set-pieces: corners and free-kicks could be crucial in breaking the deadlock.
RC Strasbourg: compact shape and vertical threat
- Mid-block discipline: keep lines tight and force Nice into predictable, wide build-up.
- Transitions: break quickly when possession is regained, especially into the channels behind Nice’s full-backs.
- Wide combinations: overlaps and underlaps to create cut-backs and late runs into the area.
- Game management: slow the tempo when needed, then inject pace at the right moments.
The key tactical battle will be whether Nice can impose their possession game without being exposed when the ball turns over. If Strasbourg consistently find space in transition, they can make this a very uncomfortable evening for the home side.
Key Players to Watch
- OGC Nice – creative midfielders: responsible for linking build-up with incisive passes into the final third.
- OGC Nice – wide attackers: 1v1 ability and crossing quality will be essential against a compact block.
- RC Strasbourg – central forward: needs to be clinical with limited chances, especially on the break.
- RC Strasbourg – holding midfielder: key to screening the defence and launching fast counters.
Match Outlook and Prediction
Predicted Final Score: OGC Nice 1–1 RC Strasbourg Alsace
Nice’s urgent need for a result and home advantage should ensure a strong effort, but Strasbourg’s organisation and counter-attacking quality make them difficult to beat. A tight, competitive encounter feels likely, with both sides creating phases of pressure without fully taking control.
Prediction: OGC Nice 1–1 RC Strasbourg Alsace.
Note: This prediction is for discussion and entertainment purposes only.