Two high-profile performances against Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne, with ten goals scored in two matches. That is what marked the last week of OGC Nice. To say that the club is leaving a good impression is an understatement. However, they still need to confirm this impression at home against Nantes.
In just a few days, Ben Arfa has brought French football to its knees. Even his harshest critics have had to acknowledge his immense talent. With numerous technical moves and regained effectiveness, the playmaker from the Côte d’Azur has revived the distant possibility, as it seemed only a few weeks ago, of a national team selection. With four goals in just a few days, including a fantastic double against Saint-Etienne, Ben Arfa hasn’t played by the book. This naturally earned him the title of “Eaglet of the Month” for the second consecutive time.
His effectiveness has finally brought to light the work of the entire team. Notably, the Mendy-Koziello-Séri midfield, which is now considered one of the best in Ligue 1. At the very beginning of the season, the activity of the Nice midfield was overshadowed by mediocre results at Troyes or against Guingamp. That’s over. The streak of three consecutive wins for the red and blacks only confirms a playing ambition that dates back to preseason. If not even earlier, as this gym’s identity was conceived as early as the recruitment phase.
Nantes, not necessarily a piece of cake
In such a favorable context, Nice is obviously the favorite before hosting Nantes. Waldemar Kita’s club has won only once in its last fourteen away games. But this sole victory is quite recent. It was on Tuesday evening in Lille, with a score of one to zero. A week ago, Nantes also put on a strong first-half performance at home against PSG before collapsing in the second half. Interesting signals for a team that started quite poorly.
Lorik Cana, who was doubtful for a time, will indeed be present on the Nantes side. For Nice, Papy Mendy’s suspension was logically lifted after a review by the committee. Maxime Le Marchand is indeed suspended and should be replaced in the starting eleven by Paul Baysse. In attack, Le Bihan and Plea remain absent. Despite this somewhat depleted squad, the Gym intends to take advantage of its momentum to win against an opponent who hasn’t been too favorable to them. The Canaries have taken points in 78% of their encounters against Nice in the history of Ligue 1. But if the red and blacks can defy the statistics, it’s now.
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