It is at an unusual time (4 p.m.), due to the Rugby World Cup, that the Stade du Ray will host the eleventh day of the 2007/2008 Ligue 1 championship, which seems to favor Antonetti’s men more than the last season. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for President Molinari’s protégés, who are experiencing a rather difficult start to the season, holding the last place in the standings with only 5 points (1 win, 2 draws, and 7 losses). The situation is dire for the maroon team, but not hopeless, in a championship where many points are still up for grabs. Curiously, it is away from home where Metz seems most comfortable, with a victory in Caen (1-2) and a draw in Valenciennes, while at home the record is nearly catastrophic with 4 defeats against Strasbourg (1-2), Lyon (1-5), Bordeaux (0-1), and Lille (1-2).
Caution is thus necessary for this match and this Metz team, which is already on a hunt for points to escape from the relegation zone, where it has been stuck since the start of the season. Already left behind by Sochaux and Marseille, 19th and 18th in the standings respectively, Metz will come to Nice with the firm intention of not returning empty-handed, as a defeat on Nice soil coupled with a victory by the two aforementioned clubs would bury them further into the depths of Ligue 1.
On the Nice side, the training camp at Saint Martin Vésubie will have strengthened confidence, which seems to be in abundance for Antonetti’s squad this year. These Eagles hope to celebrate their return to the Ray field with a victory executed with finesse.
Before the clash between the English and South Africans to claim the rugby world title, a choice appetizer will be served on the Ray hill between Nice and Metz, both eager to claim the jackpot, synonymous with three points!
The LFP has appointed the referees for the Nice – Metz match. Stéphane Lannoy will officiate with the whistle, assisted by Messrs. Haquette and Dansault. Hugo Lloris, who relapsed against Le Mans, will leave his goal to Lionel Letizi, while Koné might reappear in the starting eleven or at least on the match sheet.
The Nice squad: LETIZI, MOREAU, GACE, ABARDONADO, APAM, KANTE, ROOL, HOGNON, ECHOUAFNI, DIAKITE, BALMONT, EDERSON, HELLEBUYCK, LASLANDES, KONE, BAMOGO, JOB and LARBI.
