Nice - Monaco

What’s at stake in the final game of the season

The 2018-19 edition of Ligue 1 will come to a close on Friday evening. For this occasion, OGC Nice will host their main rival, AS Monaco, for the final match of the season (kick-off at 9.05pm). A Côte d'Azur Derby that is particularly important.

Nice’s ambitions 

Just one point separates Nîmes (7th, 53 points, goal difference of 0) and Nice (8th, 53 points, goal difference of -7) from Reims (9th, 52 points). These three sides, come what may on Friday evening, are guaranteed to feature in the top half of the top flight of French football, given that 10th place is currently occupied by Rennes with 49 points.

With just a few days to go until the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, Les Rouge et Noir can still finish in 7th place, as long as they do better than Nîmes and at least as well as Reims in the final game.

In the worst case scenario, Patrick Vieira’s side will finish in 9th, if they achieve a worse result than Nîmes (who host Lyon) and Reims (who face PSG).

Les Aiglons’ personal objective is still to succeed in bettering their points tally from last season (54 points). If Le Gymensure victory against ASM, they will achieve their fifth best points haul since their return to the top flight with 56 points. 

 

The podium for the tightest defence 

The final line of defence has been OGC Nice’s main strength this season. With just  35 goals conceded in 37 matches, Dante and his teammates currently sit in third place in terms of fewest goals conceded. As long as there are no catastrophes (Benitez would need to concede at least five goals), Les Azuréensshould maintain their bronze medal.

 

Monaco’s situation 

Falcao and his teammates gave themselves some breathing space thanks to their win over Amiens (2-0), a direct competitor for the relegation play-offs. With a three point lead on Caen, who currently sit in 17th with 33 points and host Bordeaux on Friday, Leonardo Jardim’s side in 16th also have a better goal difference on the side from Normandy (+7).