FC Metz – OGC Nice was the second match of the eighth day of Ligue 1. With 13 points on the board, the Eagles had the cards in hand to secure a temporary first place in the standings, debrief.
Always sticking to his usual 4-3-3 formation, Francesco Farioli didn’t deviate from the rule. After all, why change when it works? With matches being a bit hit-and-miss, resulting in four draws and three wins, yet remaining undefeated and boasting the best defense in Ligue 1 (4 goals conceded), the strategy seems to be working for the Nice team just one point behind the Monegasque leader (14 pts). Metz, on the other hand, is coming off two consecutive defeats against Strasbourg and Toulouse.
Similar to his game system, the Azurean starting eleven remains almost unshakeable since the start of the season. The only questions lie in the right defense sector with the competition between Youcef Atal and Jordan Lotomba while Sofiane Diop (injured) and Jérémie Boga alternate on the left wing of the attack. The eleven:
Nice at the top of the provisional standings
A slight surprise in this starting lineup was the inclusion of Hicham Boudaoui, preferred over Morgan Sanson for the first time this season. Needless to say, this choice paid off as the Algerian international scored with a beautiful collective play perfectly executed. A possession phase lasting 38 seconds, 14 passes, and a magnificent cross from Melvin Bard to the midfielder who only had to put the ball into the net (14′).
It was the only goal in a match largely controlled by the Gym. Whether in the first or second half, the Messins saw little of the ball. Not many chances on either side, but devastating efficiency for Nice who claimed their fourth victory of the season. The Eagles thus climb to the top of the provisional standings (16 pts) and record a third consecutive match without conceding a goal.
After the international break, the stage is set at the Allianz Rivera for the hottest derby on the Côte d’Azur! Nice will host Olympique de Marseille on Saturday, October 21, at 9 PM.
