After the great success in Brittany against Brest, OGC Nice hosts for the first time this year in its stadium. The team of Antoine Kombouaré, FC Nantes, ninth in the Ligue 1 standings, will travel to the Côte d’Azur this Friday evening at 9 PM.
The Gym could not have started 2022 any better. Despite the expulsion of Morgan Schneiderlin just minutes after the Azuréens opened the score, the trip to Brest ended in a resounding success (0-3).
At their home, the Allianz Riviera, OGC Nice will have to play a whole different match against a team that has been in good form for several matches: FC Nantes.
Indeed, the Canaries are on a good run (3 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 matches) and have not lost since the match against Marseille on December 1st.
As for the Aiglons, with the victory against Lens (2-1), they ended a poor home streak that lasted for 4 matches. Both teams will therefore want to strengthen their dynamics this Friday.
Players to Watch from Nantes
Despite the absence of Moses Simon, one of Nantes’ most decisive players, due to the Africa Cup of Nations, Antoine Kombouaré will still be able to rely on other squad members capable of making a difference and creating danger for the Nice goal.
The starting eleven of the former PSG coach will surely include: Randal Kolo Muani. This 23-year-old forward has scored 7 goals and provided 2 assists this season. Fast, a good dribbler, and clinical in front of the goal, he notably scored one of the best goals since the start of the championship against Angers. He will be the man the Azuréen defense must absolutely monitor.
The former Guingamp player Ludovic Blas will also be a key player to contain. The Canaries’ number 10 dictates absolutely all the play for his team, capable of scoring or delivering very good balls to his strikers.
Finally, two Nantes players who will be able to challenge our Nice attackers: the goalkeeper Alban Lafont and the Brazilian central defender Girotto.
At just 22 years old, Alban Lafont is already among the established goalkeepers in Ligue 1. He is the fifth in the championship for the most saves (56).
As for Girotto, he is the strongman of FC Nantes’ rear-guard. A tough defender with good ball distribution, he can also play as a defensive midfielder.
Probable Lineups:
OGC Nice in 4-4-2:
Benitez – Daniliuc, Todibo, Dante, Bard – Stengs or Boudaoui, Rosario, Thuram, Kluivert – Delort or Dolberg, Gouiri
FC Nantes in 4-1-4-1:
Lafont – Appiah or Corchia, Moutoussamy, Palois, Fabio – Girotto – De Sa or Coco, Blas, Chirivella, Merlin or Bukari – Kolo Muani
