Cvitanich, Fofana, Genevois, Hennion, M’Bow, Pentecôte, Pied are injured. The red and black infirmary is almost full, and when you add the suspension of Bahoken, one might say that Claude Puel will have to learn to manage with, or rather without, for this high-risk away game for the young eagles.
But, as we know, the Nice group is never as united as when they are in trouble, and even an overheated Furiani, which regains its team after the suspension of the islanders’ playground, may not be enough to stop the progression of the Niçois. For previous confrontations, one must go back to the seasons 2003 to 2005 and the advantage to Bastia with two victories (2-0 and 2-1) and overall, a clear advantage also to the locals with 13 wins, 5 draws and only 2 losses for 20 matches played. The numbers do not seem to favor the Azuréens, who will nonetheless try without complexes to repeat their exploits in Brest and Lille, but this time on Corsican soil.
For the Bastia side, only victory will be sweet, firstly to thrill the stands of Armand Cesari again, and secondly to move away from the red zone where Frédéric Hantz’s men are only three points ahead of Sochaux, the first relegatable team. A home defeat could plunge the Corsicans as much into doubt as into the depths of the ranking. It is easily understood that President Geronimi’s men will be keen to secure these three points against a long-standing adversary.
A derby that promises to be lively in every sense of the word, especially without the presence of Nice supporters, who are banned from traveling to the beautiful island and will all be in front of their television or computer screens hoping for the feat of their favorites. Because a Niçois victory coupled with a defeat of Saint-Etienne in Reims would result in the 4th place being reserved for the young eagles before hosting these same Reims at the Ray stadium next Friday.
Referees for Bastia – Nice
The LFP has appointed the referees for the Bastia – Nice match on Saturday, February 16th (25th matchday of Ligue 1). Wilfried Bien will officiate with the whistle, assisted by Fabrice Plancon and Cédric Schurra. The fourth referee will be Benoît Millot.
The Nice squad for Bastia
Claude Puel has selected an expanded group of 21 players for the trip to Bastia on Saturday. Romain Genevois and Jérémy Pied are absent. Digard returns from injury, Traoré from the African Cup of Nations.
Goalkeepers: Delle, Ospina
Defenders: Civelli, Gomis, Kolodziejczak, Palun, Pejcinovic, Puel, Rougeaux
Midfielders: Abriel, Anin, Bruins, Dao Castellana, Diaz, Digard, Eysseric, Meriem, Traoré
Forwards: Bauthéac, Bosetti, Maupay
Absentees
Cvitanich, Fofana, Genevois, Hennion, M’Bow, Pentecôte, Pied (injured), Bahoken (suspended), Berthomier (coach’s decision)
