Ludogorets vs Nice Prediction: Dodgy defences breed goals in Bulgaria

Despite beating Go Ahead Eagles 3-1 last week, OGC Nice know that this season’s European adventure will come to an end after Thursday’s game against Ludogorets (20:00 GMT, Discovery+), who are a point off a Uefa Europa League knockout phase play-off place heading into the final round of fixtures this week.

Below are my Ludogorets vs Nice predictions, supported by all the latest team news and match odds, ahead of this first-ever meeting between the sides at Huvepharma Arena in Razgrad, Bulgaria.

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Team News

Aguibou Camara (muscle) is injured for Ludogorets, whose head coach Per-Mathias Hogmo must also make do without the ineligible trio Rwan Cruz, Matias Tissera and Vinicius Nogueira.

Football Odds

As for Nice, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Mohamed Abdelmonem (both knee), Moise Bombito (leg) and Melvin Bard (groin) are injured, while Charles Vanhoutte is suspended for Franck Haise’s side.

Ludogorets vs Nice Odds

Ludogorets are 10/11 favourites to secure an all-important victory, implying a 52.4% probability of success, while Nice are 11/4, or a 26.7% chance, to end their three-game losing run on their European travels with a win.

The draw, meanwhile, is offered at 11/4.

Match Result & Both Teams to Score - Ludogorets & Yes @ 5/2

Only bottom-side Maccabi Tel Aviv (19) have shipped more goals in this season’s UEL league phase than Ludogorets (15), while Nice (14) aren’t far behind, so this is a meeting between two dodgy defences, suggesting goals could be in the offing.

Ludogorets have scored in two of their three home games, avoiding defeat in both as they beat Celta Vigo 3-2 and drew 3-3 with PAOK.

Today's Football Fixtures

Nice have scored in two of their away matches, losing both 2-1 to Fenerbahce and Celta Vigo before suffering a 3-0 defeat in their third at FC Porto.

Both teams to score looks like the most obvious play, but I’m adding in a home win, too, as all the motivation on Thursday is with Ludogorets, who likely need three points to stand a chance of finishing in the top 24.

Anytime Goalscorer - Petar Stanic (LUD) @ 2/1

Ludogorets’ Petar Stanic leads the UEL league-phase Golden Boot charts by two goals, having struck six times in seven games.

The 24-year-old has scored in his side’s last two European home matches, hitting a hat-trick in their 3-2 victory over Celta before opening the scoring in their 3-3 draw with PAOK.

At 2/1, I think we’re getting great value for the Serbian in the Anytime Goalscorer market.

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