After two weeks of international break, OGC Nice is back in action tomorrow at 9 PM at Allianz Riviera against Olympique de Marseille. It’s a special meeting for the two Côte d’Azur teams.
Fifteen days after the frustrating draw in Toulouse (1-1), the Gym resumes against Marseille, their “best enemy” in what is described as a derby match. There is a certain animosity between the two clubs, mainly due to the short distance separating the two cities. Tomorrow, 450 Marseille supporters will make the 2-hour journey to Allianz Riviera to support their team. It’s a rivalry both between supporters and on the field. In recent years, both teams have played at the top of the league, offering matches with high-flying performances. “It’s a great match for the players, the staff, and the supporters, but it remains a match and there are 3 points to take,” says the Azurean coach Patrick Vieira.
“It’s a derby, we have to win it”
Nice is 12th in the standings and 5 points behind their opponent, who sits in 3rd place. OM is coming off a heavy defeat at Lille (3-0) and a timid victory against Caen (2-0) before the break. “It’s a team with very good players. It has both a strong collective and brilliant individuals. Florian Thauvin is an example. He manages to make a difference with his goals,” emphasizes the Aiglons’ coach. The French international will indeed be the number one threat for the locals, notably with his 7 goals in Ligue 1 this season. The Olympians will arrive in Nice somewhat weakened due to the suspensions of Luiz Gustavo and Lucas Ocampos. On their side, the red and blacks will also play without some key players.
Lees-Melou out, Mario Balotelli returns
The highlight of this Sunday will certainly be the return of Mario Balotelli to the Nice squad. The Italian striker rejoins the group after not being called up for Gym’s last match in Toulouse. “We have worked a lot with Mario over the last 15 days. He is training well, physically he is making a lot of effort to return to his best level,” explains Patrick Vieira.
Another return awaited by the supporters is that of recruit Danilo Barbosa. Injured at the start of the season, the 22-year-old Brazilian could get some playing time tomorrow. Two returns, but 3 withdrawals for this match. The main blow concerns the thigh injury of midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou, whose recovery time has not been disclosed. Another midfielder, Jean-Victor Makengo, is also unavailable for the reception of OM, as is forward Mickael Le Bilhan.
Pierre Ferrand
