Ludogorets vs Nice: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 29 January 2026
One of the matches of the 8th round of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League group stage will take place on Thursday at the Ludogorets Arena in Razgrad, where Bulgarian side Ludogorets will host French club Nice. I’m offering a bet on the outcome of this clash with strong odds for success.
Match preview
Ludogorets still have a shot at reaching the playoffs, despite their recent defeat to Rangers. The team sits just outside the top-24 zone and remains highly motivated, unlike their current rivals. With the backing of their home crowd and a record of high-scoring performances in Razgrad, the Bulgarian club looks like a genuine contender.
Even with some inconsistency, Ludogorets usually shine at home: they’ve netted at least twice in three of their last four matches in Razgrad. Both teams finding the net is almost a given in their fixtures, and Ludogorets matches boast one of the tournament’s highest goal averages. Victory here is not just about form – it’s a matter of survival in European competition.
Nice finally snapped an 18-match winless streak in the Europa League, but their victory over Go Ahead Eagles is too little, too late. The French side have no chance of reaching the playoffs and will play the final round without pressure or tournament motivation. This lack of urgency could either work in their favor or leave them completely out of the fight.
Nice’s main problem is their away form: the team have lost 13 straight away games in the Europa League, often conceding two or more goals. Their defense remains unstable, injuries have taken a toll, and some players are even demanding contract terminations. Given all that, getting a result in Bulgaria seems a tall order.
Probable lineups
- Ludogorets: Bonmann, Nedyalkov, Almeida, Verdon, Son, Duarte, Enrique, Stanic, Caio Vidal, Markus, Bile
- Nice: Dupé, Mantzunga, Abdi, Ba, Oppong, Cho, Abdul-Samed, Gouveia, Luche, Vanhautte, Carlos
Match facts and head-to-head
- Nice have lost 13 consecutive Europa League away matches.
- Ludogorets have scored at least twice in three of their last four Europa League home games.
- Both teams have scored in eight of Ludogorets’ last ten European matches.
Prediction
Neither side is among the tournament’s favorites, but Ludogorets have a real shot at the playoffs. The French side arrive with no tournament motivation and a weakened squad. The Bulgarians are always aggressive and prolific at home, while Nice have been woeful on the road. Everything points to the hosts here.
