Nice have never won five away games in a row in Ligue 1

Another victory and the Eagles will make an entry into the club almanacs. That awaits Nice if they beat Montpellier this Friday in the opening of the 12th round of Ligue 1 (11 PM EAT). The triumph of the guys from the Cote d'Azur would be historic, because Nice have never in history managed to win in five consecutive away games in the highest national tier.

Nice are having a brilliant, outstanding campaign under coach Francesco Farioli (34). The Cote d'Azur team made very smart additions in the summer, as the talented Italian strategist quickly identified what he needed to keep the club in the top flight. And, not only are they in the top, but they sit at the head of the table as the only unbeaten team in Ligue 1.

The offense around Gaetan Laborde, Jeremie Boga and Terem Moffi is working well, but the key is defense. Nice beat Rennes 2-0 in the last game at home, and again they were very compact and did not allow much to the rival.

Nice's pillar is called Dante, an experienced central defender who played for Mönchengladbach and Bayern and, at the age of 40, still commands like a youngster. Together with a teammate like Todibo, the Brazilian can provide a stable defense in the long term.

For now, it works great, because after 11 rounds, Nice have an incredible record of only four conceded goals, of which they conceded three times away from home. The red and black have kept a clean sheet six times in a row in the league.

After the excellent performances of coach Farioli's team, the question arises more and more often, can Nice enter the fight for the title? For now, they are only one point ahead of second-placed PSG, but unlike the Saints, the team from the south of France does not play at the international level. That's why Nice can concentrate on the opponent, prepare, regenerate and gather strength week in week out.

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Montpellier, Toulouse and Nantes are the next tasks, and they seem doable. And, Nice have already won at Parc des Princes this season, although great consistency will be necessary for the red and black to remain in the hunt for the crown.

On the other hand, Montpellier had to PSG away in the previous round. Coach Michel Der Zakarian's players had problems, especially in the defensive department, and capitulated with a score of 3-0. Interestingly, Montpellier have a positive goal difference, even though it is placed "only" in 13th place. They suffered one defeat at home, but drew too often.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 12

Friday

23.00: (3.35) Montpellier (3.35) Nice (2.20)

Saturday

19.00: (5.80) Reims (4.10) PSG (1.65)

23.00: (5.00) Le Havre (3.70) Monaco (1.80)

Sunday

17.00: (2.25) Clermont (3.45) Lorient (3.45)

17.00: (2.95) Metz (3.40) Nantes (2.55)

17.00: (1.60) Lille (3.90) Toulouse (5.80)

19.05: (1.75) Rennes (3.60) Olympique Lyon (4.90)

22.45: (2.40) Lens (3.50) Olympique Marseille (3.10)

***odds are subject to change