This Sunday, OGC Nice, led by Adrian Ursea, travels to Brittany to challenge FC Lorient (3:00 PM), 17th in the Ligue 1 Uber Eats standings, who have experienced a resurgence in form since the end of January. Let’s take a look at the situation of both teams.
After their elimination in the French Cup round of 16 against AS Monaco (2-0) at the Allianz Riviera last Monday, OGC Nice still have this setback stuck in their throats and are eager to make amends against a Lorient team that has secured only one victory in their last six matches across all competitions.
The Nice squad selected by Adrian Ursea
In the league, the Gym remains on two consecutive victories against Stade Rennais (1-2) and Nîmes Olympique (2-1).
Against Lorient, 19 names were included on the list communicated by Gym coach Adrian Ursea on the eve of the match. To recap, Jean-Clair Todibo is suspended while several players are absent due to injury.
Goalkeepers: Benitez, Cardinale.
Defenders: Bambu, Daniliuc, Lotomba, Pelmard, Nsoki, Kamara, Saliba.
Midfielders: Schneiderlin, Trouillet, Thuram, Lees-Melou, Claude-Maurice.
Forwards: Gouiri, Dolberg, Ndoye, Myziane, Sellouki.
1️⃣9️⃣ Aiglons called up for #FCLOGCN pic.twitter.com/BdMetg99nz
— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) March 13, 2021
Regarding the medical update, Adrian Ursea discussed the current situation of several of his injured players during a conference on Friday. For Rony Lopes, who suffered a thigh muscle injury during the match against OM (3-2), it’s still too soon. “His return was scheduled for this match against Lorient, even if it was not supposed to be as a starter. But there is still some fragility, and given the work done, we didn’t want to take any risks, hoping that he will be at 100% next week,” explained the Nice coach.
However, Danilo should soon return to the field. The Brazilian, who celebrated his 25th birthday on February 28th, hasn’t played since December 13th (Nice 0-1 Rennes). “We’re getting Danilo back. We know he has the ability to play in midfield or defense. It’s an interesting option.”
After providing updates on striker Kasper Dolberg, who “continues to progress and improve his fitness,” Adrian Ursea commented on the situation of Youcef Atal, who will be out for three to four weeks. The Algerian international is suffering from an adductor injury: “There has been progress in his situation. Youcef is in the process of physical recovery. He is undergoing rehabilitation and has already started running. He will not be available on Sunday. Will he be fit next week? We hope so. We evaluate him training after training, taking into account Youcef’s feedback and the medical advice. We support him, hoping he can return a bit sooner.”
Pierre Lees-Melou speaks of a “team spirit”
Before the match, it was Pierre Lees-Melou who appeared at the press conference. On this occasion, the Nice midfielder discussed his current physical form, having returned to the starting XI for the derby lost against Monaco in the French Cup after being benched in the last two matches against Rennes and Nîmes.
“I’m still here, all in. It’s true that I had that stint on the bench. The coach talked to me about it: he said he found me tired because I had played quite a few matches following my wrist injury. These are things to understand. Nobody is irreplaceable. Besides the fatigue, I even felt that my performances were lacking. Of course, sitting on the bench is not pleasant, but it’s football, and you have to accept it. And when you come on, you have to prove yourself, especially when guys like Alexis (Claude-Maurice) or Hicham (Boudaoui) are in form. Football is primarily about team spirit: you set aside your pride and remain available for the group.”
Lorient, 17th but in form
The match between Lorient and Dijon marked a turning point in the season for the Lorientais and initiated a positive dynamic. Then in 19th place, the locals needed a victory against Dijon, the bottom team in the league, to keep their hopes of staying up alive. After a lively match, the Merlus managed to secure a victory in injury time (2-3).
The resurging offensive sector of FC Lorient is one of the reasons behind the good momentum of the Tangos. The Merlus have scored an average of 1.55 goals in their last nine Ligue 1 outings, including three in a home victory over PSG (3-2, 22nd matchday), compared to 0.9 before the win over Dijon.
Within the Breton team, one man shines at the forefront of the attack. Lorient’s top scorer with eight goals, Terem Moffi has found the back of the net 4 times since the end of January.
Last weekend, FC Lorient participated in the French Cup round of 16. Opposed to Puy Foot’s Alexy Bosetti (who remained on the bench), the Morbihannais were defeated by the narrowest of margins (1-0). The Bretons will be eager to return to winning ways this Sunday against OGC Nice. Nice will need to be cautious.
