It’s a fact, the Gym is no longer undefeated. After 14 titanic matchdays, Francesco Farioli’s men fell for the first time in Nantes last Saturday. A liberating defeat?
We could hardly believe it anymore. They did indeed lose a match this season. Having defeated Monaco, PSG, and even OM, Nice was not expected to falter against a mid-table team. At least, according to predictions… Clearly, few people had bet on the Canaries to create the upset. Against Stade de Reims this Sunday, we’ll soon find out. Whether it’s a simple blip or a real slump, not bearing the weight of invincibility will, in any case, do the group some good.
Caution is still required, as they face a well-organized team challenging the Gym. Currently 6th in Ligue 1, the Reds and Whites are built upon solid foundations orchestrated by a well-known coach, Will Still.
New faces in the squad
Belahyane, Traoré, Amraoui, Louchet… These names don’t ring a bell? That’s normal. Scarcely or not at all used by the coach, they are bringing a bit more depth to the squad, which is far from immune to absences. In addition to Beka Beka and Atal, Thuram, Diop, and Bouanani will be out due to injury.
Probable line-ups:
Nice: Bulka – Lotomba, Todibo, Dante, Bard – Sanson, Ndayishimiye, Boudaoui – Laborde, Moffi, Boga
Reims: Diouf – Foket, Agbadou, Abdelhamid, De Smet – Matusiwa, Teuma, Richardson – Ito, O. Diakité, Daramy
The match will be followed this Sunday (1 PM) at the Allianz Riviera.
