This afternoon, OGC Nice travels to Marseille for the thirteenth day of Ligue 1. In a Vélodrome without red and black supporters, Puel’s men will have to end a series of 3 games without a win in the championship.
Only three points apart. While Nice and Marseille have given quite different impressions since the season began, the two teams are separated by just three points. A gap that OM can close in the event of a win.
Historically, Marseille has a lead over Nice. Out of the last 21 encounters at the Vélodrome, the Phocaeans have won 18 times. However, the gap is closing. Nice has even won 4 of the last 5 derbies preceding today’s match.
Duel of future Europeans?
This tightening in the encounters could be confirmed at the end of the season in the standings. OGC Nice is surprising with the attractive play they are offering, while Marseille is climbing back up after a complicated start to the season due to Bielsa’s departure.
Thus, the objectives of the two rivals are converging towards the top third of the standings. Nice is currently 4 points from the podium, Marseille 7. Before the international break and after already a third of the championship, positioning well is starting to gain importance.
Week of returns for Ben Arfa
The break will not be one for Hatem Ben Arfa. The first player from Nice called up since Loic Remy 6 years ago, the former Magpie will return to the French national team. His first call-up since 2012. He has chosen his moment well, just 8 months ahead of the Euro.
Before gracing the pitches of Clairefontaine, Ben Arfa has a rendezvous with the Vélodrome. It is with the OM jersey that the Nice number 9 has played the most games in his career for one club (91). It is also for this club that he scored the most goals (15).
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