A week after their first victory of the season against Caen (2-1), Claude Puel’s men are traveling to Angers (8 PM), still undefeated this season. Only one return is expected in defense (Gomis), but the formidable trio of Germain-Ben Arfa-Plea will be present.
Limited squad, act 4. The shortage of defenders is still a pressing issue for OGC Nice, with no fewer than five absentees (Bodmer, LeMarchand, Genevois, Hult, and M. Traoré, who filled in at Troyes). However, the solid victory against Caen last week (2-1) hinted at increased strength at the back and an increasingly cohesive team. Let’s assert that this 2015-2016 version of OGC Nice, with a stable defense, a solid midfield, and this attack, potentially reinforced by Mickaël Le Bihan in the coming hours, has the caliber to aim for the Top 8.
After the initial defeat against Monaco (1-2) and the professional mishap at Troyes—let’s not mince words—where the match ended 3-3 after leading 3-1 with 11 men against 10, the Aiglons have launched the red and black machine. And at the very least, it’s clear that Nice’s offensive arsenal is intimidating in Ligue 1. Plea, indispensable since the start of the season (2 goals, 2 assists, and a penalty won), Germain, a useful acquisition (one goal and one assist), and Ben Arfa, the catalyst (2 goals), dominate the headlines of specialized newspapers.
“In the second half against Caen, we found simplicity, drive, and a bit more verticality. Although it was enhanced by Hatem’s acceleration, the team effort and the start of the second half pleased me greatly,” explained Claude Puel at a press conference.
The Angevins, promoted this season, are making a stunning start with two away victories (2-0 at Montpellier and 2-0 at Gazélec Ajaccio) and a draw at home (0-0 against Nantes). Three matches without conceding a goal—truly a remarkable performance. But this time, they will face the best attack in Ligue 1 (6 goals), tied with Marseille and Bastia. The number one threat is named Cheikh Ndoye, a double scorer on the Isle of Beauty, who arrived this summer from Créteil. Be wary of the former Lorient player Gilles Sunu, experienced in the battles of this championship.
“We’re going to face a confident opponent who has picked up seven points in three matches. They are well-organized and hard to play against. It will demand a lot of focus and work from us,” continued the Nice coach.
If Nice wins this Saturday, they would temporarily enter the top half of the table and make up for the two points lost at Troyes. And at the start of the week, the summer transfer window will close, with the squad still potentially subject to changes (fullback, goalkeeper?). After this date, absolute stability. Only the infirmary remains to be cleared…
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