If we were to rely on simple statistics, the results of the matches between Nice and Bordeaux are quite equal since in 41 encounters, Nice has won 17 times, with 15 draws conceded, and 9 wins for Bordeaux. Last year, the two teams finished with a draw (1-1), while in 2007, Ederson secured victory for his side (2-1), whereas the previous year, it was Lilian Laslandes who enabled Bordeaux to take three points at Ray (0-1). It is therefore difficult to choose between these two teams who know each other well and are coming off two victories—Nice at Monaco (1-2) and Bordeaux at home against Toulouse (2-1).
On the Nice medical side, Cyril Rool and David Hellebuyck were not present at the last training session, the former suffering from a tendon issue and the latter experiencing problems with his thigh following a muscle contracture. While the spirited defender could recover by Saturday night, the same cannot be said for the left midfielder of the Gym already absent from Thursday’s training. Gérald Cid was also resting following a knock suffered against Monaco. Other minor issues like Apam’s gastroenteritis are expected to be resolved by tomorrow night in order to host Bordeaux. A closed training session is scheduled this morning from 10 a.m. at the Ray stadium, and it is at the conclusion of this session that the coach will choose the 10 starters who will make up his starting lineup on the field. Regarding the goalkeeper position, the decision will not be easy for Antonetti, who must decide whether the veteran or the newcomer will guard the Nice goal, with Lionel Letizi just recovering from an injury and David Ospina having delivered a fine performance last Saturday in Monaco.
“Nice is a team full of confidence and despite the departures of Koné and Lloris, they continue to achieve results.” Marius Trésor, the former Bordeaux star, has warned Bordeaux about this match that “will be anything but a walk in the park.” With a match this Wednesday in the Champions League against Cluj and a win, albeit narrow, Laurent Blanc’s men will not have an easy task, especially in the last quarter of an hour, during which the European efforts are likely to take a toll.
Therefore, a match that appears as a good opportunity for the eaglets, who will nevertheless have to fight hard to shake up a Bordeaux team determined not to leave the top of the table or be caught in the standings by their opponents of the day.
