After a brief series of positive results, the Gym is heading to Nantes, which is having a very strong start to the season. The Aiglons will have every interest in sparking the fire…
A real challenge awaits the Aiglons this Sunday, on historically hostile ground, where Claudio Ranieri’s team is currently reigning supreme.
Nice has a 22% win rate against Nantes in Ligue 1 (16/72), their lowest ratio against any current Ligue 1 opponent faced more than once. The Aiglons particularly struggle at the Beaujoire, where they’ve only won 3 times (11 draws, 22 losses). The Canaries have only lost one of their last 15 home meetings with Nice in Ligue 1 (9 wins, 5 draws), the last defeat being on December 4, 2004 (0-1).
The club’s top scorer (5 goals), Emiliano Sala, netted the last 2 goals for Nantes against the Gym in Ligue 1. The Aiglons will need to be wary of the Argentine striker, who is in excellent form currently (he has contributed to 4 of the last 6 goals for Nantes in Ligue 1 with 3 goals and 1 assist).
On the side of the hosts, particular attention should be given to Mika Seri. The one who allowed the Aiglons to secure a point at the Beaujoire last season, thanks to a sublime strike (1-1), is involved in 3 of the last 4 Nice goals against Nantes in Ligue 1 (1 goal, 2 assists).
Nantes has won its last 5 home games in Ligue 1 (against Caen, Metz, Guingamp, Toulouse & Monaco), marking their best home series in the elite since February-May 2001 (also 5). Meanwhile, the Gym is on a streak of 2 undefeated away matches in Ligue 1 (1 win, 1 draw), a first this season and the first since their 6-away undefeated streak in the elite between February and April 2017 (3 wins, 3 draws).
THE NANTES SQUAD
The squad has not yet been announced by Claudio Ranieri.
THE NICE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Benitez, Cardinale
Defenders: Souquet, Lloris, Marlon, Burner, Le Marchand, Sarr
Midfielders: Tameze, Seri, Lees-Melou, Mendy, Koziello, Makengo
Forwards: Saint-Maximin, Balotelli, Srarfi, Pléa
THE REFEREE
The match will be refereed by Jérôme Miguelgorry, assisted by Eric Danizan and Christophe Mouysset.
