Nice hosts Lorient this afternoon (5 PM) hoping to bounce back after a heavy defeat on Thursday in the Europa League. The visit of a struggling opponent could help the Niçois.
Despite the thrashing received on Krasnodar’s field Thursday night (5-2), the Eagles weren’t entirely ridiculous. Mainly victims of the formidable efficiency of the Russian forwards, the Nice defense indeed gave in. However, the attack responded well, notably with two beautiful goals by Balotelli and Cyprien.
Eysseric and Belhanda were also efficient, and the introduction of Pléa at halftime boosted Nice’s gameplay. Even though they were tired, the players did their job. But Krasnodar was too strong, and a second defeat in as many matches was inevitable.
Now, they need to bounce back and get back on track. For the Gym’s start of the season in the league has been like a fairy tale: before the eighth day, Nice remains undefeated and leads the championship. The Eagles have notably won their first two derbies of the season, against Marseille (3-2) and especially Monaco (4-0).
The Opponent
This summer, FC Lorient lost many key players: Raphaël Guerreiro notably joined Borussia Dortmund. Yann Jouffre, Didier Ndong, Rémi Mulumba, Rafidine Abdullah, Alain Traoré, Lamine Gassama, and Florent Chaigneau also left Lorient. Valentin Lavigne was loaned to Stade Brestois.
Among the arrivals, goalkeeper Paul Delecroix came to replace Chaigneau. Steven Moreira, Cafú, and Sylvain Marveaux joined the team. Jérémie Aliadière, Michaël Ciani, and Arnold Mvuemba returned to play for the Merlus.
Lorient is having a difficult start to the season: they lost the first four matches of the season (3-2 at Caen, 0-3 against Bastia, 2-0 at Marseille, 0-2 against Nancy) before beating Lille by a 1-0 score. After another defeat at Guingamp (1-0), the Merlus beat Lyon by the same score (1-0). Lorient is in the nineteenth and penultimate place in the league with only six points.
The Absentees
On Nice’s side, the extended absences of Maxime Le Marchand, Mickaël Le Bihan, and Gautier Lloris (injured) are still to be lamented. Walter Benitez, Olivier Boscagli, and Alexy Bosetti have been left available for the reserve team, and Arnaud Lusamba was not selected.
As for Lorient, coach Sylvain Ripoll decided to do without Lindsay Rose and Romain Philippoteau. Selemani, Claude-Maurice, Guendouzi, and Mazikou have been left for the reserve team. Lautoa and Aliadière are also absent, as is Benjamin Jeannot, who is suspended.
Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Hassen, Cardinale
Defenders: Souquet, Baysse, Ricardo, Dalbert, Dante, Sarr
Midfielders: Belhanda, Seri, Eysseric, Walter, Bodmer, Cyprien, Koziello
Forwards: Balotelli, Pléa, Donis
Lorient Squad
Goalkeepers: Lecomte, Delecroix
Defenders: Moreira, Koffi, Touré, Ciani, Le Goff
Midfielders: Barthelmé, Cabot, Fofana, Mesloub, Cafu, Bellugou, Mvuemba, Ben Khémis, Mara
Forwards: Moukandjo, Waris
The Referee
This eighth day of Ligue 1 will be officiated by Olivier Thual. He has not refereed OGC Nice this season but has already crossed paths with Lorient during the fourth day and the Merlus’ defeat against Nancy (0-2).
Photo credit and more information on www.ogcnice.com
