Today at 2:15 PM at the Saint Symphorien stadium, the eaglets will try to start this year 2013 well by facing FC Metz in the 32nd round of the French Cup. Certainly, on paper, two divisions separate the teams, but caution will be necessary on Lorraine soil against an opponent ready to achieve an upset.
Both teams were defeated in their last performance in 2013, with Nice losing 3-0 in Lyon and Metz losing 2-4 at home against Orléans. Therefore, redemption is the goal for these two teams that are at the top of their respective leagues (Metz is 2nd in National and Nice is tied for 6th in Ligue 1). The objective is therefore the round of 16 for the two teams who are eager to put into practice the good resolutions taken for this new year.
Claude Puel will have to compose his starting eleven without David Ospina, who is suspended following his exclusion in Lyon, and Mahamane Traoré, who is with the Mali national team for the 2013 AFCON. The team trained yesterday morning under bright sunshine, and a final closed-door training session today should provide the final lineup from the Côte d’Azur coach. On the Metz side, bad news came from midfielder Bouna Sarr, who was injured during Wednesday’s training, making his participation more than uncertain, while Kévin Lejeune will be suspended due to accumulating three yellow cards in less than three months.
This match will be broadcast on France TV Sport and on France 3 Lorraine starting at 2:15 PM, followed by a magazine that will provide an overview of the results of these 32nd finals as well as summaries of the main matches already played.
Referees for Metz – Nice
The FFF has appointed the referees for the Metz – Nice match on Sunday, January 6th (32nd round of the French Cup). Alexandre Castro will be officiating with assistance from Alexandre Viala and Yannick Boutry.
