OGC Nice returns to Brittany tonight (8 p.m.), a week after a hard-earned draw on the pitch of Rennes.
The Opponent
At the bottom of the L1 table at the dawn of the 26th matchday, FC Lorient approaches the duel against the Gym with determination (kick-off Saturday at 8 p.m.). Merlus coach Bernard Casoni, present at the press conference, made a firm statement.
“We took a good hit at Saint-Etienne (0-4 loss) by putting a knee to the ground. We are still alive, but we have no time to lose. But we’re still alive, and that’s the most important thing. As long as there’s life, there’s hope. We must achieve something. Let’s not expect anything from our opponents. We’ll get through it alone. It’s up to us to go after it, to shake things up. The dream of making it through is a daily effort. I dream of having joy in the last match, but we must give our all every day to achieve this dream.”
The Absentees
On the Lorient side, the main absentees are midfielder Walid Mesloub and defender Michaël Ciani.
As for Nice, Ricardo Pereira, who scored in the first leg (knee injury), remains unavailable. Just like Alassane Pléa, injured in the knee at Rennes.
The Lorient Squad
Goalkeepers: Lecomte, Delecroix
Defenders: Le Goff, Moreira, Koffi, Lautoa, Touré, Peybernes, Paye
Midfielders: Bellugou, Philippoteaux, Cafù, Wakaso, Mvuemba, Cabot
Forwards: Moukandjo, Jeannot, Waris, Marveaux
The Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Souquet, Baysse, Burner, Le Marchand, Dalbert, Dante
Midfielders: Belhanda, Seri, Eysseric, Walter, Obbadi, Cyprien, Koziello
Forwards: Balotelli, Srarfi, Donis
The Referee
The duel against FC Lorient will be officiated by Tony Chapron, assisted by Huseyin Ocak and Alexandre Viala.
