With 37 points on the scoreboard, the two geographically opposing teams are tied in the ranking of this Ligue 1 2011/2012 season. While not crucial or decisive, this match will still hold significant importance on the evening of May 20th, marking the end of this season. And if it were possible for the Eaglets…
One must go back to the 2007-2008 season to find a Nice victory on Valenciennes soil, with two goals at the time by Ederson and Konรฉ responding to Savidan. Since then, the lineups have evolved considerably on both sides, and a whole new page will be written by the 22 players this Sunday starting at 5 PM at the Hainaut Stadium. A victory, or at least a draw for Nice, is therefore not an impossible mission. Even though Renรฉ Marsiglia will have to do without Pejcinovic (adductor strain) and perhaps Digard (toe infection), the Nice team should look proud and will certainly try their luck until the end.
On the Valenciennes side, it’s with roller-coaster morale that Daniel Sanchez’s men must compose, and the last home performance certainly did not leave a good impression with a resounding defeat against Evian (0-3). With a trip to Lyon in the next round and hosting Paris Saint Germain in the one after, it would be wise for the northerners not to leave any points undelivered, for fear of flirting again with the relegation zone they haven’t known since 2012. For Nice, the task isn’t any simpler with the upcoming reception of Lille and two complicated trips to Toulouse and Lyon on the final day.
It’s well understood, any point taken will not need to be taken again!
The LFP has appointed the referees for the Valenciennes – Nice match on Sunday, April 29 (34th day of Ligue 1). Benoรฎt Millot will officiate with the whistle, assisted by Djemel Zitouni and Alexandre Viala. The fourth official will be Gรฉrard Dany.
