Match Preview

Today’s Nice vs FC Lokomotiv Moscow preview dissects a fascinating looking Europa League Round of 16 first leg battle between teams from France’s Ligue 1 and the Russian Premier League. The home side stuttered their way through the group stages and next week they face a team that has excelled both domestically and in continental competition this season.

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After the successes of last season, Lucien Favre and his Aiglons have come crashing back to earth somewhat during this campaign. The Frenchmen had an opportunity to qualify for this year’s Champions League in the summer but were eliminated in the preliminary rounds by Italian side Napoli. Favre’s men have won three and lost three UEL matches prior to today’s Nice vs FC Lokomotiv Moscow betting tips. Nice have already been beaten seventeen times in all competitions in 2017/18.

FC Lokomotiv Moscow are currently eight points clear at the top of the Russian Premier League as they look to secure their first domestic title since 2004. The Railroaders sailed through their Group in the Europa League too, finishing top of the pile having been beaten just once in six contests. The club from Russia’s capital are still something of an unknown quality, though they do have some famous names in their ranks including Peruvian Jefferson Farfan and Portuguese striker Eder. Make sure to check out our European football betting tips below.

Nice vs FC Lokomotiv Moscow Prediction and Betting Advice

We are backing the Russians not to lose in the opening part of today’s free Nice vs FC Lokomotiv Moscow bets. The Railroaders are fresh from a lengthy winter break and though they might need some time to get fully back into the swing of competitive action, the extra energy and freshness in their legs should be a telling factor next week.

Les Aiglons have blown very hot and cold this season in general terms and their record of three wins and three losses in this competition so far is a perfect snapshot of what’s been a frustrating and inconsistent season for highly rated coach Lucien Favre. Nice have just lost back-to-back Ligue 1 games against two of the division’s worst sides, Toulouse and Metz, over the past week – those performances and results are bound to have an impact on their players’ confidence ahead of a tough tie with the Muscovites.

All the momentum seems to be with the Russians ahead of this first leg battle and the double chance Europa League football match odds for them to win or draw at William Hill are simply too good to turn down. You won’t find more lucrative odds at any other bookmaker.

Controversial Italian striker Mario Balotelli is never far from the front or back pages, but his reputation as an expert goal scorer has been well established. The former Man City forward scored three times in three Europa League matches at the Allianz Riviera this season, a record that ensured his inclusion in today’s Nice vs FC Lokomotiv Moscow predictions.

When you strip back the moments of madness, Balotelli remains an accomplished centre forward. He has already scored nineteen times for his club this season, even though they have been lacking in cutting edge overall. Balotelli has five goals in seven continental appearances in total this term, proving that he is a threat at all levels.

The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland of late, with Juventus reportedly close to agreeing terms with the Azzurri international. Balotelli will be keen to leave France on a high and that would include helping to drag his club as deep into the Europa League as possible. A goal next week would certainly help their cause and you can get fabulous odds on him to score anytime at Unibet.