This will undoubtedly be the tricky match to avoid for Claude Puel’s men against a team that performs well away from home, with significant victories in Montpellier (2-3) and Rennes (0-1). Therefore, they will need to be extremely attentive against this team, which has just secured three valuable points at home against Troyes (2-0) to settle in the 14th place in the league.
On the Nice side, even if they don’t want to admit it, the focus is on climbing higher in the standings, and a win tonight could propel the “Aiglons” (Eaglets) up the rankings. However, to secure three points, the team will need to replicate the same performance as in their recent matches, which have started to attract attention in the national football scene, even though there is frustration that a legitimate win against PSG turned into a match lost by the Parisians. But, all eyes are on Evian tonight at the Ray Hill, which should be well-filled if the weather cooperates. However, heavy rain is predicted for the Azurean capital, which may change the playing conditions.
Morally, both teams are in high spirits, with the Savoyards moving away from the relegation zone with their last success, and Nice, victorious against Rennes, who have risen to joint 8th place in the Ligue 1 standings. Both teams aim to continue their momentum with slightly different objectives, one to avoid being at the bottom of the rankings, and the other to reach higher standings. The stakes are high tonight at the Ray, and there’s no doubt that the points will be hard-earned.
Claude Puel can count on his usual squad with the return of Lloyd Palun after serving his suspension, while on the Savoyard side, M’Madi and Mensah are injured, and Govou has not been selected by Pascal Dupraz. Two balanced forces face off in a match that, apart from its weight in points, promises an enjoyable spectacle given the teams’ recent performances.
So, one main message for tonight: let’s go to the stadium!
