These two sides are relative unknowns in European football but are making new waves in their own domestic leagues. Krasnodar, although they have fallen away recently, will feel they still have a relatively decent chance of challenging for the Champions Leauge places in the Russian Premier League whilst OCG Nice sit top of Ligue 1 ahead of the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.
Although there was a lot of bemusement when Oleg Kononov left his role as Krasnodar manager just before Europa League matchday one, the Bulls have done very well since his departure. Despite the chaos surrounding the club immediately before that Europa League fixture, Krasnodar managed to pull off a great 1-0 win away at Red Bull Salzburg. Following that they managed to find the strength of character to beat hard-working Rostov thanks to a last minute Fedor Smolov penalty before earning a respectable draw away at Russian Premier League champions CSKA Moscow.
The wheels had been starting to come off at Krasnodar and it seems the change in manager has had the desired effect as the Green-Blacks have picked up in recent weeks which has led to former caretaker boss Igor Shalimov being given the role on a full-time basis.
After such a great win away in Austria in their last European match, as well as their improving league form, Krasnodar will be confident of making it two wins out of two at home by beating Nice in south Russia – despite the fact that Nice are in good form themselves.
Despite losing manager Claude Puel to Southampton in the summer, OGC Nice have made an excellent start to the Ligue 1 season and currently sit top of the table as well as being the only side to be undefeated. Despite the fact they have the mythical creature that is Mario BalotellI, who has scored four goals in two league games for Nice, it has been their defence which has been the bedrock having conceded just four goals in seven games.
Although they lost to group favourites Schalke 04 in the first round of Europa League matches, it took the Germans until the 75th minute to make the breakthrough at Allianz Riviera and so Nice can take confidence from that.
Krasnodar are the favourites for this match given their home advantage but I personally find this match very hard to call. With odds of just 10/11 given on a home win, I do not feel it is worth the risk. However, with Nice playing 3-5-2 – a growing trend in Russian football – Krasnodar should be used to the formation.
Goals are the best way to go here. Nice should find it easier to attack a Krasnodar side who do not look too good at the back these days, whilst Krasnodar’s strength is in their forward line so we can expect chances at both ends. With that in mind, I have gone for Over 2.5 Goals – a bet that really ought to be coming off in this fixture.
See more tips here.