The marathon of 3 matches in 7 days concludes on Saturday for OGC Nice. The eagles host En Avant Guingamp for their second match in the new Allianz Riviera stadium. After the disappointment in Nantes (2-0 defeat), it’s a great opportunity to bounce back against a quality opponent unbeaten in their last 3 encounters.
Since the start of the season, it’s been difficult to identify a trend in Nice’s performances. Euphoric at the beginning of the week against Valenciennes (4-0 victory), the eagles appeared unrecognizable 3 days later during the trip to Nantes.
Unable to create any chances. Certainly, the gap in level between Valenciennes and Nantes is significant at the start of the season but this does not explain everything. There must be a middle ground between the two performances offered by Nice this week. Claude Puel’s men hope to find the solution to this equation against Guingamp in order to string together decisive victories for the continuation of the championship.
Claude Puel will rely on the return of goalkeeper Ospina, midfielder Pied, and Luigi Bruins. However, Bauthéac is out due to a knee injury sustained against Nantes (1 month absence). His absence could weigh heavily if Bruls and Pied don’t quickly get their heads above water to pull OGC Nice upwards. Several times this season, OGC Nice has relied on the individual talent of the trio Bruls, Cvitanich, Bauthéac to garner points. The gameplay has always seemed weak, and the victory against Valenciennes acted like a smokescreen given the catastrophic path and level shown by Valenciennes since the start of the season (6 defeats in 7 matches).
Jocelyn Gourvennec’s team should not display the same mindset when traveling to the Azurean lands. Full of confidence after their clear victory against Sochaux (5-1), Guingamp gives the impression of a liberated team, not at all impressed by this first season in Ligue 1. With an attractive attack led by Yatabaré (four goals) and Claudio Beauvue, the club of President Le Graet is one of the favorites to stay up given its season start. The only weak point is the defense, inexperienced and still too soft for Ligue 1. The eagles will need to press on this weak point while blocking the Guingamp wingers, very active in breaking through. A difficult match on paper, presented as a tricky encounter. A crowd came in large numbers to witness a reaction. An opponent leaning towards attack. All the ingredients are in place for another festive evening at the Allianz Riviera.
