OGC Nice travels this afternoon to the neighboring field of AS Monaco at 2 PM. Currently successful in the league, the eagles are on the podium. Better yet, they have the opportunity to overtake their rival if they win!
Who could have predicted, three or four years ago, that Nice and Monaco would be where they are now? Back when Monaco was trying to leave Ligue 2 and Nice was fighting not to be relegated. Now, they are competing for the podium with just 13 games left until the end. Now, with players like Ben Arfa, Moutinho, or Toulalan among their ranks.
Rarely, if ever, has this derby seemed so enticing and balanced. Especially in Monaco. In their last eleven visits to the principality, the Gym has only lost twice. Comfortable away from home for several seasons now, it’s not in Monaco that the Niรงois plan to break their habit.
Even more so since their supporters have settled in Louis II. As usual, the eagles can count on massive support on the rock. Less appealing but much more realistic, this Gym has genuine strengths. Especially against an ASM that doesn’t reassure in defense and doesn’t impress in attack.
But beware, Monaco still has some strong points. And the experience of big matches. Second in the standings, Jardim’s men have no reason to fear OGC Nice and know how to handle important moments, something the Niรงois have not always managed to achieve this season.
The only certainty, in the end, is that this match is truly a massive Ligue 1 clash. A clash that might just foreshadow the final third of the championship for both teams.
Photo credit and more information at www.ogcnice.com
