One of the standout matches in the opening round of fixtures of the Europa Conference League this week will see French side Nice take on German outfit FC Köln. Both sides will be hoping to top Group D, and a fast start will be required for both sides if they are to achieve that feat.
Europa Conference League Preview
Group D in the Europa Conference League appears to be one of the most open in the competition this season, as both Nice and FC Köln will have leading chances to progress from the group as winners. However, that puts extra significance on this fixture this week, as both sides will be looking to get off to a very quick start.
Nice will have home advantage for the crucial opening game, but they will need to put a very disappointing start to the domestic season behind them. The French side currently sits 16th in Ligue 1, as they have picked up just one victory from the six games that they have played. They have looked vulnerable defensively throughout the season to this point, as they have allowed eight goals.
Their latest defeat was suffered at home against Monaco, as the travelling side picked up a 1-0 win. Köln come into this fixture in good confidence, as they have started the new Bundesliga season in strong form. They are one of just two teams that are yet to suffer defeat in the German top flight, as they have won twice and drawn three times in their opening six fixtures.
Köln currently sit sixth in the league standings, and are just three points off the top of the league standings. They warmed up for this fixture with a win, as they claimed maximum points with a 4-2 away success against Wolfsburg. Dejan Ljubicic scored the opener in that win, while other goals were scored by Florian Kainz and Sargis Adamyan.
Nice vs FC Köln Head to Head
This will be the first competitive meeting between Nice and FC Köln. There is also little to separate Germany and French sides in recent meetings between the club sides.
Nice vs FC Köln Prediction
This could easily be a fixture that could go either way. However, the slight preference is for Köln, who have been in strong form over the early weeks of the season. We could see the away side picking up a 2-1 victory.
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