Here is the translation of the text from French to English:
This Sunday, OGC Nice travels to FC Metz, as part of the 12th round of Ligue 1. After two consecutive defeats in their last two games, across all competitions, the Gym must get back on track. All the pre-match information for this encounter can be found here.
Another disappointing week for OGC Nice! Franck Haise’s men suffered two defeats in the last seven days during their last two outings. The first was on the field of the Ligue 1 leader, Paris Saint-Germain (0-1), last weekend. Despite a strong collective defensive performance, Tom Louchet’s teammates faltered in the final seconds, on the last corner of the match. Then, this Thursday, on the European stage, against Freiburg (1-3). Plagued by their own defensive errors, the Aiglons worsened their grim record in the Europa League. It is worth noting that the Gym has four defeats in as many games since the start of the competition, putting them in a dreary 35th (out of 36) in the standings.
Before the last international break of the year, OGC Nice has the opportunity to bounce back in the championship, against FC Metz (kick-off of the match this Sunday at 5:15 PM at the Stade Saint-Symphorien). For the Aiglons, it is an opportunity not to be missed to catch the right train in the tough race for European places. This season, competition has never been stronger in Ligue 1. The gap between different teams is narrowing week after week. Even the smallest point could change everything, one way or the other. Nothing will be given to the Gym in this fierce battle.
What solutions for Franck Haise?
Rather annoyed in the post-match press conference after the defeat against Freiburg, the Nice coach could make several changes to his starting eleven. However, Franck Haise still has a limited squad at his disposal. Terem Moffi, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Moïse Bombito, and Dante, injured, are still in the infirmary. The return of the OGC Nice captain is expected after the international break. The Brazilian hopes to be able to play the derby against Olympique de Marseille on November 21.
For Jonathan Clauss, the situation is different since it is not solely related to sports. Suspended in Europa League this Thursday, the defender was able to spend a full week with the red and black squad. As a reminder, the defender was not on the team sheets for the last two matches of OGC Nice in Ligue 1. His presence in Metz is therefore uncertain, although the French international could make the trip to Moselle.
In contrast, FC Metz occupies the 17th place—and first relegation spot—of Ligue 1. However, Stéphane Le Mignan’s men are experiencing their best form since the start of the 2024/25 season. After a difficult start to the championship, the Messins have just secured two victories in their last two matches. The teammates of Habib Diallo opened their victory account against RC Lens (2-0), before winning on the field of FC Nantes (0-2) last weekend. Against the Gym, the Grenats will be able to count on the reinforcement of their captain, Gautier Hein, returning from suspension.
Probable line-ups:
Metz: Fischer – Kouao, Gbamin, Yegbe, Colin – Touré, Deminguet – Sabaly, Hein, Tsitaishvili – Diallo
Nice: Diouf – Mendy, Bah, Oppong – Louchet, Vanhoutte, Boudaoui, Bard – Diop, Carlos, Cho.
