To kick off their 2017 championship year, the Gym will host Metz at the Allianz Riviera (3 PM). A promoted team that could allow them to start well after a restful break.
The Opponent
Participating in the French Cup last Sunday, Philippe Hinschberger’s team was eliminated from the competition by RC Lens, a formidable L2 team (0-2). Before resuming the championship at the Allianz Riviera, they will play on Wednesday evening in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue (kick-off at 9:05 PM). They have an away game scheduled at Parc des Princes, a prestigious break in an English week that will end in the Plaine du Var.
To cope with a busy schedule and start the second half of the season on the right foot, Metz has brought in two new players. Two proven talents from L1. In the attack, former Bordeaux giant Cheick Diabaté (29 years old, 129 L1 matches, 50 goals) has joined with the mission to make an impact. Just like the experienced Fallou Diagne. The 27-year-old versatile defender (capable of playing in midfield) returns to the club that launched his professional career, after experiences in the Bundesliga (with Freiburg and Werder Bremen) and Stade Rennais.
The Absentees
On the Nice side, many absentees: Mika Seri (Africa Cup of Nations), Maxime Le Marchand, Mario Balotelli (suspended), Yoan Cardinale, Rémi Walter, Younes Belhanda, Olivier Boscagli, and Valentin Eysseric (injured), as well as Mickaël Le Bihan (resuming training with the CFA).
For Metz, Cheick Diabaté, Yann Jouffre, and Matthieu Udol are absent. These three join a list that includes Cheick Doukouré, Georges Mandjeck, and Ismaïla Sarr, who are selected for the Africa Cup of Nations. Striker Mevlut Erding is also not in the selected squad.
The Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Benitez, Pouplin
Defenders: Souquet, Baysse, Burner, Ricardo, Dalbert, Dante, Sarr, Balmy
Midfielders: Lusamba, Cyprien, Koziello, Marcel, Mahou
Forwards: Pléa, Donis, Bosetti
The Metz Squad
Goalkeepers: Didillon, Oberhauser
Defenders: Rivierez, Milan, Assou-Ekotto, Falette, Signorino, Balliu
Midfielders: Philipps, Mollet, Nguette, Maziz, Hein, Cohade, Lejeune, Diagne
Forwards: Vion, Diallo
The Referee
Bartolomeu Varela will be the referee for the first match of 2017 at the Allianz Riviera, starting at 3 PM on Sunday. He will be assisted on the sidelines by Pierre Chevreux and Fredji Harchay.
