Heavily defeated 4-0 in their first match, OGC Nice is in search of confidence and stability. On Saturday, against Rennes, the Eagles will not be able to rely on their fans to transcend themselves against a competitor for European places. The match will be played behind closed doors.
To erase the specter of their first match, nothing short of a victory seems necessary. Especially since 3 players absent against Lyon are returning to the group: Cvitanich, Mendy, and Kolodzieczak.
These are three key players in the important lineup across each line for Nice’s team. Claude Puel will therefore be able to play everyone in their respective positions. A luxury considering the coach’s difficulty in fielding a competitive team for the first match. The defense remains the great unknown in this match. The centerpiece of the central axis, Nemanja Pejcinovic, is not yet operational.
Claude Puel will have to make do with an experimental defense, weakened by 4 goals conceded. The sole return of Timothée Kolodziejczak seems insufficient against the ardor and speed of Rennes’ attackers. In a stadium emptied of its soul due to the match being played behind closed doors, the Nice players will have to draw from their moral strength to hope for a victory.
On the Rennes side, the arrival of a new coach inevitably brings a period of adaptation related to a new playing system and new working methods. Known for having his teams play a polished brand of football,
Philippe Montanier will be able to count on an almost complete squad. Only Sylvain Armand, Jean Armel Kana Biyik, and Emerson Boyce are absent. Victorious in their first match in a convincing manner against Reims, the Breton team comes looking for a win at the doubting Azurean club.
In any case, the people of Nice are expecting a reaction of pride both in substance and in form to be reassured before the European competitions and the first steps in the big stadium.
