With dreams of Europe gone and safety largely secured, the Gym now wishes to finish its season as high as possible. The final sprint promises to be intense, starting with the reception of Nantes.
After a complicated first part of the season, the Canaries (eleventh in L1) are finishing strong. Proof in stats: Nantes has won each of its last 5 Ligue 1 matches, the best current streak. It is also their best streak in the elite since their 8 consecutive wins to conclude the 2000/01 season, during their last French champion title. The Canaries have scored at least 2 goals in their last 5 Ligue 1 encounters, their best run of this kind in the 21st century.
For Nice, the objective is clear: to surpass the 54 points achieved in the previous season.
A victory against the Canaries (11th, 46 points) would allow Patrick Vieira’s men to cross this threshold and reach 55 points, with two matches remaining in the championship.
A total that the Red and Black have only achieved 6 times since returning to the elite.
THE NICE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Benitez, Clémentia
Defenders: Herelle, Dante, Sarr, Atal, Boscagli, Coly, Pelmard
Midfielders: Tameze, Lees-Melou, Makengo, Danilo
Forwards: Saint-Maximin, Sacko, Srarfi, Ganago, Le Bihan, Jaziri
THE NANTES SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Braat, Dupé, Olliero
Defenders: Basila, Diego Carlos, Fabio, Kwateng, Lima, Pallois, Traoré
Midfielders: Boschilia, Evangelista, Girotto, Limbombe, Louza, Moutoussamy, Rongier, Touré
Forwards: Bamba, Coulibaly, Mance
THE REFEREE
For the first time, a Gym match in L1 will be officiated by a woman: Stéphanie Frappart.
She officiated her first L1 match, Amiens vs Strasbourg (0-0), on the 34th matchday.
For her first time at the Allianz Riviera, she will be assisted by Nicolas Danos and Cyril Gringore.
