The Gym is heading to Bordeaux to seek a victory that would be beneficial for Lucien Favre’s men. But the task won’t be easy against a Bordeaux team that has picked up form since the start of the year.
15th in the league at the halfway point, the Bordeaux team has indeed bounced back by winning 5 of the 7 league matches played in 2018. In the top league, only Paris and Marseille have scored more points during this period.
Having caught up with the Eagles, whom they surpass on goal difference (35 points), the Bordeaux team has only experienced one defeat since the arrival of their new coach, Gustavo Poyet. That was against Marseille last Sunday (1-0). “It’s a team that has found its balance and cohesion,” commented Lucien Favre in a press conference. “They play in a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 system, which they were already using last year. Up front, they have regained Laborde who is a focal point for the team. Even if Malcom won’t be there (suspended, ed.), they have other weapons with Kamano, Braithwaite, and De Preville. They defend and counter very well. In the midfield, they have found their system, and at the back, they are very solid. Bordeaux is tough. They don’t suffer much; Marseille really had very few chances against them.”
THE BORDEAUX TEAM
Goalkeepers: Costil, Prior
Defenders: Sabaly, Koundé, Baysse, Pablo, Poundjé, Contento, Pellenard
Midfielders: Otavio, Lerager, Meïté, Sankharé, Plasil, Vada
Forwards: Kamano, Braithwaite, De Préville, Laborde
THE NICE TEAM
Goalkeepers: Benitez, Cardinale
Defenders: Marlon, Sarr, Souquet, Coly, Burner, Perraud
Midfielders: Makengo, Cyprien, Seri, Lees-Melou, Tameze, Mendy
Forwards: Plea, Srarfi, Saint-Maximin, Sacko
THE REFEREE
This decisive match in the race for Europe will be officiated by Frank Schneider, assisted by Djemel Zitouni and Nicolas Henninot on the sidelines.
