This Thursday, OGC Nice wraps up its European campaign against Bodo/Glimt (Norway). Already eliminated, the Eagles have nothing left to hope for in this competition. All the pre-match information for this encounter can be found here.
OGC Nice is finally ending its disastrous Europa League campaign. Already eliminated even before this last match, the team led by Franck Haise will host the Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt (kick-off at 9 PM at Allianz Riviera). After two consecutive defeats, Dante’s teammates found victory last weekend during the derby against OM (2-0).
In short, a final match without sporting stakes awaits the Niçois. After a catastrophic campaign, the Gym cannot even aim for a spot in the playoffs. Recall that the Eagles have not won a single match in the Europa League this season. The Côte d’Azur club has been defeated five times (Lazio, Ferencvaros, Rangers, Saint-Gilloise and Elfsborg), and settled for a draw twice (Real Sociedad, Twente). A very disappointing journey that will not remain in the memory of the red and black supporters.
Towards a Largely Overhauled Lineup
Under these conditions, it’s hard to imagine Franck Haise fielding his first-choice lineup for this match. As in Sweden last week, the coach from the Côte d’Azur might make broad changes in his starting XI. The key players could rest, considering the upcoming exchanges in the following weeks.
For this last European fixture, Morgan Sanson, Terem Moffi, Pablo Rosario, Jérémie Boga, and Victor Orakpo remain in the infirmary. Meanwhile, Tom Louchet is suspended. The versatile full-back is paying for an accumulation of yellow cards in the Europa League. Lastly, Baptiste Santamaria is not eligible for this match.
In contrast, the sporting stakes are higher for Bodo/Glimt. Already qualified, the Norwegian players can still aim for a direct place in the round of 16 if they achieve another victory on the Côte d’Azur. Kjetil Knutsen’s squad is coming off a win against Maccabi Tel-Aviv (3-1) in the Europa League.
Probable Lineups:
Nice: Dupé – Abdelmonem, Bombito, Nandjou – Mendy, Camara, Boudaoui, Bard – Diop, Moukoko, Bouanani
Bodo/Glimt: Khaikin – Sjovold, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Bjorkan – Evjen, Berg, Saltnes – Sorli, Hogh, Maatta
