Three days after their defeat against Naples in the Champions League, Nice must kick-start their season in the league. It starts with a home victory this evening (8 PM).
After Neymar’s debut at Roudourou, Guingamp fans might witness Sneijder’s debut in Ligue 1. The Eagles need to get back on track after three consecutive defeats this season, ahead of next week’s match against Naples. A match that should see at least one goal since none of Guingamp’s last 12 matches in Ligue 1 ended in a draw (6 wins, 6 losses).
Following their convincing start in Metz (a 1-3 victory), Guingamp was then overpowered by the Parisian giants in front of their fans (0-3). Although he has no injured players to worry about, Antoine Kombouaré will nonetheless be without Yannis Salibur, who is absent due to personal reasons. Franck Tabanou, the new signing, will play with the Guingamp reserve team this weekend.
In a press conference, Christophe Jallet spoke about the importance of the upcoming match: “It’s a very important match for two reasons: to reposition ourselves in the league and to regain some confidence that has been waning a bit, even though I don’t sense any defeatism within the group. Winning this first league victory would be a good sign and could give us momentum for the Champions League.”
THE NICE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Souquet, Burner, Le Marchand, Sarr, Jallet, Dante
Midfielders: Tameze, Seri, Lees-Melou, Sneijder, Walter, Koziello
Forwards: Srarfi, St-Maximin, Plea, Balotelli
THE GUINGAMP SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Johnsson, Caillard
Defenders: Sorbon, Kerbrat, Ikoko, Rebocho, Martins Pereira
Midfielders: Phiri, Deaux, Giresse, Diallo, Blas, Didot, Benezet, Camara
Forwards: Coco, Thuram, Briand
THE REFEREE
The match against Guingamp will be officiated by Benoît Millot. This Saturday at the Allianz Riviera, he will be assisted by Huseyin Ocak and Julien Pacelli.
