One might have hoped for a different situation to experience this new derby between the Monegasque neighbor and the Eagles, but the five consecutive defeats conceded by the Eagles do not suggest a very favorable outcome for Claude Puel’s men, who are never as good as when they find themselves against the wall, except that this time a rock stands before them.
With 32 points under their belt and two recent victories, at home against Rennes (2-0) and Nantes (0-1), Claudio Ranieri’s protégés will come to the Allianz Riviera with the firm intention of leaving with three points in the bag, in order to catch up on PSG if they were to stumble at Evian.
No major changes in the group that won against the Bretons, except that the Monegasques will present themselves on the field tonight without Falcao, but they can still count on the return of Abidal, who will make the short trip.
On the Nice side, Claude Puel has selected a group of 18 players, counting on the returns of Bodmer, Bruins, and Genevois. Unfortunately, Bauthéac, Ospina, Pejcinovic, Pied, Traoré will still be missing, as well as his son, Grégoire Puel, who will be suspended.
A match that will be worth its weight in points for each of the two teams, one wanting to stay at the top of the table, while the other aims not to sink lower.
The Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Veronese
Defenders: Amavi, Bodmer, Genevois, Gomis, Kolodziejczak, Palun
Midfielders: Abriel, Albert, Bruins, Brüls, Digard, Eysseric, Mendy
Forwards: Bosetti, Cvitanich, Honorat
The Monaco Squad
Goalkeepers: Roma, Romero, Subasic
Defenders: Abidal, Carvalho, Fabinho, Isimat-Mirin, Kurzawa, Raggi, Tisserand.
Midfielders: Kondogbia, Moutinho, Obbadi, Ocampos, Pi, Rodriguez, Toulalan.
Forwards: Germain, Martial, Rivière.
Photo credit and more information on www.ogcnice.com
