Nice vs Benfica: football previews & free football betting tips, 6th August 2025

⚽ Nice vs Benfica: football previews & free football betting tips, 6th August 2025

Introduction

Nice host Benfica at the Allianz Riviera on Wednesday 6th August 2025 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. With Nice aiming to end a long absence from the competition proper and Benfica determined to continue its European consistency, the tie promises strategic intensity and high stakes.

🏥 Team News

Nice

• Key departures over the summer include goalkeeper Marcin Bulka and forward Gaëtan Laborde, having moved on to Saudi clubs.
• New arrivals Yehvann Diouf (goalkeeper) and Isak Jansson (winger) may feature early in competitive action.
• Franck Haise will likely reshuffle the squad after pre-season rotation, but reports suggest no significant injuries disrupting selection.  

Benfica

• Benfica face notable absences: Bruma, Alexander Bah, and defender Tomás Araújo are injured and unavailable.
• Summer signing Vangelis Pavlidis remains available and in form, while other newcomers such as Enzo Barrenechea or Franjo Ivanović may still be adapting to starting roles.  

📊 Form

• Nice enter their first competitive game of the season following a mixed pre-season: recorded victories in friendlies but also suffered three defeats in their last eight outings, including a poor European campaign last term.  
• Benfica, by contrast, boast an unbeaten recent run of domestic and international competitive fixtures. They lifted the Portuguese Super Cup and maintained strong European performances under Bruno Lage.  
• Head‑to‑head: The last meetings in 2013 and 2022 both ended as 1–0 home wins, each club winning their respective home leg. No meeting since then.  

⚔️ Attack vs Defence

• Nice have averaged approximately 1.2 goals scored per game and 0.8 goals conceded in recent friendlies and end-of-season form, reflecting a moderate offensive return and relatively solid defence.  
• Benfica have been more potent and consistent, averaging approximately 1.8 goals scored per game and roughly 0.8 conceded, highlighting their attacking edge and defensive discipline.  

🎯 Players to Watch

Nice

• Terem Moffi: the lead striker with strong finishing ability—12 goals last season and pivotal in transition.  
• Jeremie Boga: pacey and direct on the wings, likely to create critical chances in transition.  
• Khephren Thuram: important in midfield for pressing and linking play both offensively and defensively.  

Benfica

• Vangelis Pavlidis: new signing and recent goal-scoring hero—expected to spearhead Benfica’s attack.  
• Leandro Barreiro: controls tempo from midfield and contributes defensively and offensively as a box-to-box presence.  
• António Silva: experienced central defender helping marshal the defence in European matches.  

🧠 KickTheBookies Prediction

Predicted Score: Nice 0–2 Benfica

Benfica’s quality and form are expected to be decisive. Nice may press energetically at home, but the departures and relative lack of match fitness could hinder their attacking cohesion. Benfica, with superior continental experience, should secure a narrow away victory with goals in each half.

Why this prediction:

• Benfica’s unbeaten run across competitive fixtures and recent silverware suggest strong rhythm and confidence.  
• Nice’s key departures and reshuffled squad may impact fluidity and finishing ability in a match where chances are tighter.  
• Historical mini-series between these clubs point to tight margins and low‑scoring affairs, favouring the away side this time.  

💡 Betting Tips

Main Tip: Benfica to win

Correct Score: 0–2 to Benfica

Alternate Bet: Under 2.5 goals – likely tight and controlled first leg

Main bet: back Benfica to secure an away win at odds of 5/4 with AK Bets