This Sunday, OGC Nice will host SCO Angers for the 25th round of Ligue 1. A crucial match in the race for European spots.
The people of Nice need to pull themselves together. Having had a successful first half of the season, Christophe Galtier’s team is currently in third place in the league.
However, the Eaglets have suffered two consecutive defeats against Lyon and Clermont. Despite a very good performance in the Coupe de France, the team needs to win this weekend to retain their third place, synonymous with the Champions League. The people of Nice can count on a great Justin Kluivert who has been gaining momentum since the start of the season. The Dutchman is in fine form, as evidenced by his performance against Olympique de Marseille in the Coupe de France. Unfortunately, he caused a penalty in Lyon but can still carry on his momentum. He will surely be joined by Andy Delort. The former Montpellier player is playing an important role this season in the Nice squad. With 6 goals and 1 assist, the Algerian remains an important attacking asset. Amine Gouiri is doubtful this weekend. Also off to an excellent start this season (10 goals and 7 assists in 24 matches), the former Lyon player experienced thigh pain while playing against his former club last week: “Tomorrow, he should train normally with us,” explains Christophe Galtier in a press conference. The French coach emphasizes the importance of this match in light of the league standings: “We don’t have pressure for this match, but an obligation. We’ve lost too many points. We need to grow.”
On the Angers side, it’s a complicated season. 13th with 29 points, Gérald Baticle’s players are on a 3-defeat streak. Angers’ last victory at the Allianz Riviera dates back to 2017. Even though Nice are the favorites, SCO can rely on a direct style of play with quick forward transitions. It is the defensive sector where Gérald Baticle’s players struggle, having conceded 35 goals in 24 matches. Beware of this team, which can count on talented attacking players. The technical and talented pair Boufal/Fulgini makes sparks fly with every touch of the ball. There is also the solid Ismaël Traoré, the experienced Ivorian defender who has been guarding the central defense for 7 years at Raymond-Kopa.
It promises to be a great match with two teams that like to move forward quickly. The people of Nice will need to be efficient in front of goal. Defensive withdrawals and quick transitions forward will surely be a decisive factor in winning the match.
The probable line-ups:
OGC Nice:
Goalkeeper: Benitez
Defenders: Lotomba, Todibo, Dante, Bard
Midfielders: Boudaoui, Lemina, Thuram, Kluivert
Forwards: Gouiri, Delort or Dolberg
Absent: Atal, Amavi (injured)
SCO Angers:
Goalkeeper: Petkovic
Defenders: Thomas, Traoré, Manceau
Midfielders: Doumbia, Bentaleb, Ounahi, Mangan, Cabot
Forwards: Fulgini, Boufal
No absentees
