Having had a challenging start to the Ligue 1 season, OGC Nice reassured themselves last week by eliminating Toulouse (2-1) from the Coupe de la Ligue. On Saturday, Eric Roy’s players will head to the surprise leader at the start of the season, Montpellier Hérault Sporting Club. Victory is a must for the Aiglons.
Saved on the final day of Ligue 1 last season, OGC Nice – the first non-relegated team (2 points) – is already lagging at the start, this year.
While Eric Roy’s men reassured themselves against Toulouse in the Coupe de la Ligue round of 16 (2-1), they have not yet found the key to success in the championship.
During the international break, the Aiglons defeated the modest Étoile de Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël team (2-0), thanks to their two new offensive recruits, Xavier Pentecôte (formerly of TFC) and Abraham Guié-Guié (formerly of Tours).
Montpellier, a new test
The chance to build a bit of confidence before a perilous trip to Montpellier, the leader of the French championship (9 points). Like in rugby, it will be a test match for the Niçois. With one exception: it won’t be friendly!
If Didier Digard’s teammates have not shied away from playing with the ball since the kickoff of the 2011-2012 campaign, they are about to face an even more playful team. As proof, MHSC’s ball possession regularly flirts with 50%. When it doesn’t surpass them.
And yet, René Girard’s men love a physical challenge: they were last in the fair-play rankings last year, and Montpellier is still 19th this year. Only Saint-Étienne does worse.
The task will be arduous for the Niçois, who tend to rely on Anthony Mounier’s excellent form (2 goals). An advantage, but also a disadvantage: what if the former Lyon player stalls on Sunday?
