The Nice leader receives FC Nantes this afternoon (3 PM) for a match that seems unbalanced on paper. However, the Eagles need to be wary of an opponent that hasn’t always been an easy match for them.
The undisputed leader of Ligue 1, Nice hosts Nantes at their Allianz Riviera stadium. Still undefeated in the league, the Eagles will face a formidable opponent away from home.
Beyond the venue, René Girard’s squad generally benefits from a strategy that suits them more when traveling. They can play deeper and strike with quick counter-attacks.
A proficient duo that played a nasty trick on the Eagles last season, which Lucien Favre’s team will try to thwart by imposing their ideas.
The Opponent
During the summer transfer window, Nantes added Diego Carlos, Lucas Lima, Alexander Kačaniklić, Nicolaj Thomsen, Fernando Aristeguieta, and Mariusz Stępiński to their roster.
Conversely, Lorik Cana, Ermir Lenjani, Youssouf Sabaly, Adryan, Alejandro Bedoya, Rémi Gomis, Kolbeinn Sigthórsson, and Johan Audel left the club this summer.
In the standings, FC Nantes occupies the fifteenth place after a mixed start to the season: René Girard’s men have 3 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses.
The Absentees
On the Nice side, the prolonged absences of Maxime Le Marchand, Mickaël Le Bihan, and Gautier Lloris (injured) are still an issue. Dalbert Henrique and Paul Baysse will also still be absent. Adding to this list are Rémi Walter and Mouez Hassen.
The Nice Squad
Goalkeepers : Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders : Souquet, Ricardo, Boscagli, Dante, Sarr, Burner
Midfielders : Belhanda, Seri, Lusamba, Eysseric, Bodmer, Cyprien, Koziello
Forwards : Balotelli, Pléa, Donis
The Nantes squad has not been announced by coach René Girard.
The Referee
The match referee will be Sébastien Moreira. He will be assisted on the lines by Julien Aube and Mickaël Lamouche.
The referee was at the center of discussions in the same fixture last year (Eagles’ defeat, 1-2). However, this will be the first time Mr. Moreira encounters both teams this season.
