Second match of the season for OGC Nice this Saturday evening (8 PM) and their first away game. On the field of Angers, surprising last season, the Eagles will be expected and must confirm their inaugural victory.
How sweet was the final whistle. Sunday afternoon, the Gym won its first match of the season thanks to a narrow victory over Stade Rennais. Despite a few inaccuracies, the Nice game reassured most observers. But now, Lucien Favre’s men need to confirm. Still deprived of some offensive recruits, makeshift solutions seem necessary.
Ricardo, Eysseric, and Boscagli are back in the Nice squad. This suggests some changes in the starting eleven for the Eagles.
According to Paul Baysse, the Nice captain, “Angers is a solid defensive block, sturdy. An athletic team that makes an impact in duels and often plays on the counter. That was their trademark last year; they will surely stay focused on that. They’re also comfortable on set pieces with tall players and have recruited a rather strong forward this summer (Famara Diedhiou). It’s going to be a tough and different match from Rennes. We need to be ready for a real battle, in the best sense of the word.”
The opponent
SCO Angers played 5 friendly matches this summer. The squad led by Stéphane Moulin secured three victories: 4-0 against the Breizh Academy, 3-1 against US Orléans, and 3-0 against Bordeaux. Angers also suffered two defeats: 1-0 against Niort and 2-0 against… Rennes.
On the first day, SCO was defeated 1-0 on Montpellier’s field, thanks to a superb goal by Ryad Boudebouz in the 8th minute. Despite some chances, the Angevin could never equalize.
Absentees
For Nice, the absences of Walter Benitez, Maxime Le Marchand, Mickaël Le Bihan, and Gautier Lloris (injured) are to be regretted. Lucien Favre also decided to do without Burner, Benrahma, Bosetti, Caddy, Rafetraniaina, and Vercauteren, who are available to the CFA.
Kévin Gomis, transferred to Dundee United (Scotland), is also absent.
As for the Angevin, the absentees are Anthony Mandréa (a former Nice player!), Fodé Doré, injured in the thigh, and Nigerian striker Dickson Nwakaeme, who will play with the reserve team.
The Nice squad
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Hassen
Defenders: Baysse, Bodmer, Boscagli, Dalbert, Ricardo, Sarr, Souquet
Midfielders: Marcel, Cyprien, Koziello, Seri, Walter
Forwards: Donis, Eysseric, Lusamba, Pléa.
The Angers squad
Goalkeepers: Petric, Michel
Defenders: Manceau, Andreu, Martinez, Traoré, Thomas, Pavlovic
Midfielders: Bourillon, Santamaria, Ndoye, Tait, Capelle, Ketekeophomphone
Forwards: Sunu, Toko Ekambi, Pépé, Diedhiou.
The referee
The match will be refereed by Jérôme Miguelgorry. He will be assisted on the sidelines by Eric Danizan and Frederic Hebrard. Mr. Miguelgorry will meet the Nice team again after officiating their last match against Angers at the Allianz on January 15th. The Eagles had won thanks to a brace by Hatem Ben Arfa (2-1).
Photo credit and more info on www.ogcnice.com
