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After tonight’s first clash between Saint-Etienne and Paris Saint Germain, it will be the turn of Nice to face a Montpellier team that, despite being in a bad spot and eliminated from the Champions League, remains very dangerous at home.
And it is at an unusual time, 5 PM, that the team from the French Riviera will kick off the match with the firm intention of continuing their good run following their first away victory, Saturday at Sochaux (0-1), and their 10th place in the rankings of a Ligue 1 where the Montpellier team sits in an inglorious 12th place, not up to the defending champion’s status. Caution is therefore advised against a wounded team that still managed to defeat Bordeaux in the last match day (1-0).
It is without undue pressure that Claude Puel’s men will take to the field at La Mosson, and it’s often in such cases that teams dare a bit more with their football and let loose, though it remains to be determined and measured as relaxation can sometimes prove costly if careless.
But, after the recent performances of the ‘Aiglons’, we are entitled to hope for a possible qualification that signifies a semi-final. However, we are not there yet, and 90 or even 120 minutes will be required to find out which of the two teams will edge closer to a qualification for future European competitions.
Also, for this match, Claude Puel has decided to retain the same victorious group from Sochaux, and we can only hope for a similarly pleasing outcome as last weekend to prepare well for the upcoming weekend against Paris Saint Germain and Zlatan…
Referees for Montpellier – Nice
The LFP has designated the referees for the Montpellier – Nice match on Wednesday, November 28 (quarter-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue). Fredy Fautrel will officiate with the whistle, assisted by Cyril Gringore and Hicham Zakrani. The fourth official will be Benoît Millot.
The Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Ospina, Delle
Defenders: Civelli, Genevois, Gomis, Kolodziejczak, Palun, Pejcinovic
Midfielders: Abriel, Digard, Eysseric, Meriem, Traoré
Forwards: Bauthéac, Bosetti, Cvitanich, Maupay, Pied
The Montpellier Squad
René Girard has announced a group of 19 players for the reception of Nice tomorrow at La Mosson in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue. Bocaly, Marveaux, Jourdren, Aït-Fana are injured, Saihi and Jeunechamp are suspended. Gaëtan Charbonnier and Younès Belhanda are rested.
The Squad: Pionnier, Ligali – Dabo, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Bedimo, Stambouli, El Kaoutari, Congré, Deplagne – Estrada, Pitau, Cabella, Martin, Mounier, Tinhan – Utaka, Herrera, Camara.
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