Shock Ligue 1 leaders Nice will be searching for their fourth successive league triumph when they host star-studded Lyon at Allianz Riviera.

Les Aiglons have been on a major uptrend over the last few years, with Hatem Ben Arfa playing a key role in helping the team achieve a fourth-place finish last term.

The Frenchman has since left to join Paris Saint-Germain, but the club decided to bring another fallen giant, taking a huge gamble with controversial striker Mario Balotelli.

But, Cote d’Azur appears to have a healing effect on world-class footballers who have lost their ways, as the Italian quickly rediscovered the form that had seen him become one of world’s leading strikers.

Balotelli went on to score no fewer than five goals in first three league appearances, while also getting on the scoresheet in the Europa League defeat to Krasnodar, so no doubt he will be the man to watch when Nice host Lyon.

After defeating Marseille and Monaco at Allianz Riviera, les Aiglons can be backed at 2.70 (17/10) to see off Lyon as well.

There have been no fresh selection worries for coach Lucien Favre, but Gautier Lloris, Maxime Le Marchand and Mickael Le Bihan remain in the infirmary.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-1-1): Cardinale – Baysse, Dante, Sarr – Pereira, Cyprien, Bodmer, Seri, Henrique – Belhanda – Balotelli.

Lyon finished the previous campaign as runners up, but they haven’t had such a great start to the new league championship.

This could have something to do with the fact that several star players missed a large chunk of the opening exchanges, although key midfielder Nabil Fekir has rediscovered his form after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

After bagging 6 goals in first 4 league fixtures of the season, Alexandre Lacazette has been sorely missed of late as he battles a hamstring injury, with les Gones failing to score in three of last five matches on all fronts.

Following back to back defeats to Lorient and Sevilla, Lyon produced a very good response as they defeated rivals Saint Etienne, but they now face a difficult trip to Allianz Riviera.

Having suffered a 3-0 loss in the same fixture last season, les Gones have every reason to fear the clash with red-hot Nice.

Important players Alexandre Lacazette and Clement Grenier continue to miss out, while Rafael could return to the side.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-1-1): Lopes – Mammana, N’Koulou, Morel – Tolisso, Ferri, Tousart, Darder, Rybus – Valbuena – Fekir.