This afternoon (3 PM), Le Gym is playing away on the pitch of Toulouse FC. Pascal Dupraz’s men will try to pose more problems than in the first leg, lost by the Toulousains (3-0).
The Opponent
A team in form at the start of the season, TFC is advancing slightly slower but still consistently. This is reflected in the numbers. 9th at the end of the first half, Pascal Dupraz’s team, which averaged 1.36 points per match in the first half of the season, is earning 1.07 points per day in 2017. Nonetheless, this slowdown does not overshadow the good overall performance of the Violets (10 wins, 11 draws, and 12 losses thus far). They currently occupy the 11th place in the elite.
Often paired in the heart of Toulouse’s defense, Christopher Jullien and Issa Diop should (barring unforeseen circumstances) be able to hold their ground against the Red and Black this Sunday. Solid and athletic, (6’5” for the first, 6’4” for the second) the two towers currently lead the 5th best defense in the league (35 goals conceded). This defense is anchored in front of the young and talented Alban Lafont.
Two new offensive players have come to strengthen the group during the last winter transfer window. Returning from Mexico, Andy Delort quickly claimed the leading role in the Occitan attack. Powerful and a goalscorer, the former Caen player has started 11 matches for his new team, scoring 5 goals and making 1 assist. Through dribbling and elimination, Corentin Jean has settled into the right wing. In 12 matches with Toulouse (all as a starter), the player loaned by Monaco has provided 1 assist.
The Absentees
The only player missing on Sunday for Toulouse will be Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro (back in training), a long-term injury absent.
For Nice, besides Pléa and Cyprien, Mounir Obbadi is still absent, also in the recovery phase.
The Toulouse Squad
Goalkeepers: Mauro Goicoechea – Alban Lafont
Defenders: Kelvin Amian – Issa Diop – Christopher Jullien – François Moubandje – Steeve Yago
Midfielders: Alexis Blin – Yann Bodiger – Tongo Doumbia – Jimmy Durmaz – Dodi Lukebakio – Somalia – Issiaga Sylla – Oscar Trejo
Forwards: Martin Braithwaite – Andy Delort – Corentin Jean – Ola Toivonen
The Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez.
Defenders: Baysse, Dalbert, Dante, Le Marchand, Ricardo, Sarr, Souquet.
Midfielders: Belhanda, Eysseric, Koziello, Seri, Walter.
Forwards: Balotelli, Donis, Le Bihan, Srarfi.
The Referee
The match will be refereed by Franck Schneider. He will be assisted on the lines by Djemel Zitouni and Nicolas Henninot.
