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, Renรฉ 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 Kaฤanikliฤ, Nicolaj Thomsen, Fernando Aristeguieta, and Mariusz Stฤpiลski to their roster.
Conversely, Lorik Cana, Ermir Lenjani, Youssouf Sabaly, Adryan, Alejandro Bedoya, Rรฉmi Gomis, Kolbeinn Sigthรณrsson, and Johan Audel left the club this summer.
In the standings, FC Nantes occupies the fifteenth place after a mixed start to the season: Renรฉ Girard’s men have 3 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses.
The Absentees
On the Nice side, the prolonged absences of Maxime Le Marchand, Mickaรซl 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 Rรฉmi 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, Plรฉa, Donis
The Nantes squad has not been announced by coach Renรฉ Girard.
The Referee
The match referee will be Sรฉbastien Moreira. He will be assisted on the lines by Julien Aube and Mickaรซl 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.
