The Aiglons are traveling to Dijon tonight (8:00 PM) for a match that promises to be tricky. The Gym can count on an almost complete squad and perhaps on the famous “champion’s luck.”
Leading the home standings, the Gym holds the third-best away record, behind PSG (30 points) and AS Monaco (28). The Aiglons, who have one less match than the two aforementioned opponents, have secured 23 points away from home.
The opponent
This 28th day will pit two decidedly forward-looking teams against each other (the 6th attack of L1 hosting the 4th). Proof of Dijon’s threat: DFCO has scored in its last six Ligue 1 matches, with only Monaco currently on a longer streak (21). You have to go back to last January 21 to see them silent (0-0 against Lille).
Dijon has lost 4 of its last 5 Ligue 1 matches (1 win), as many as in the previous 16 (4 wins, 8 draws). 18th before kickoff, the Burgundians aim to start a new positive cycle to secure their survival. On the other side, the Aiglons intend to continue their momentum to stay anchored at the top of the elite.
The absentees
The Nice squad is missing Mounir Obbadi and Anastasios Donis, who have both experienced pain at the back of their thigh, and Ricardo Pereira. Simon Pouplin, Malang Sarr, Gautier Lloris, Olivier Boscagli, Arnaud Lusamba, and Alexy Bosetti will play with the CFA. As a reminder, Alassane Pléa will be unavailable until the end of the season.
Among the absentees on the Dijon side, defender Vincent Rüfli suffers from a thigh strain and will be out for the next three weeks. Midfielder Marvin Martin “will resume training on Monday,” as noted on DFCO’s official website. Loïs Diony and Florent Balmont will be suspended for this 28th day.
by Dylan Gérardin
The Nice squad
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Souquet, Baysse, Burner, Le Marchand, Dalbert, Dante
Midfielders: Seri, Walter, Cyprien, Koziello, Marcel.
Forwards: Srarfi, Eysseric, Balotelli, Le Bihan, Belhanda
The Dijon squad
Goalkeepers: Leroy, Reynet
Defenders: Abdelhamid, Chafik, Haddadi, Lang, Lotiès, Varrault
Midfielders: Abeid, Amalfitano, Belmonte, Kwon, Lees-Melou, Sammaritano
Forwards: Bahamboula, Bela, Rivière, Tavares
The referee
The match will be officiated by Bartolomeu Varela, assisted on the lines by Bertrand Jouannaud and Gilles Lang. Mr. Varela last encountered the Aiglons at the Allianz Riviera, against Metz (0-0), on January 15.
