OGC Nice hosts Stade Rennais this Wednesday evening (7 pm), one of the in-form teams of Ligue 1. The Eagles come off a convincing performance in Paris but without scoring any points (1-0 defeat). With only a four-point lead on the first relegation spot, it becomes essential to earn points.
“Frustrating, there was a point to be taken.” This was a common refrain on Saturday evening in the mouths of Nice players and officials. Sure, the return suitcase didn’t contain any points, but the performance was more than satisfactory. For 60 minutes, Nice unsettled Paris-Saint-Germain, the reigning champion; only the finishing was missing. After this match in the capital against an unbeaten club, it’s back to the Allianz Rivera to face Rennes, another very in-form team with eight games unbeaten.
The Eagles, 11th in the standings, haven’t won since October 26. Worse, the relegation zone is approaching. Racing Club de Lens, 18th, is only four small points away. Despite in-form players like Jordan Amavi, Albert, or Lloyd Palun, Nice is still lacking in finishing. Since the seven goals against Guingamp, Claude Puel’s men have shaken the net only once in the league (Grégoire Puel during the 3-1 defeat against Lyon). The return of the South Brigade and the promising signs shown in Paris are reasons for optimism for this match against Rennes.
“We need to pick up points at home. Starting a new unbeaten run would be good for the club, the supporters, and, for us, from an accounting perspective. Rennes is in a good dynamic, we will have to be present in the same vein as the second half in Paris,” explained Claude Puel on Monday.
On the other side, Rennes arrives with confidence. Philippe Montanier’s team is in great shape with 6 wins in the last eight games. The last time the Rennais stumbled was at the end of September during a trip to Bordeaux (2-1 defeat). Since this “mini-crisis,” Stade Rennais has bounced back and is now 6th in the standings. Driven by the great Paul-Georges Ntep and a regained defensive solidity, Rennes is playing well, is efficient, and is formidable. On this occasion, the Eagles will reunite with Christian Brüls, who moved from Nice to Rennes this summer and returns after a lengthy injury.
“We’ll have to start this match at full throttle, with the same mindset and desire as against Paris. If we light up, play with intensity, the supporters will be with us. A lot is expected from me, and I know that one day, I’ll repay them,” said Valentin Eysseric during Monday’s press briefing.
But there is concern about the pitch condition, which was worn out after the Top 14 Toulon-Clermont match last Saturday. Although it was inspected, doubts remain. For two rather attacking teams, a poorly conditioned pitch would be a real hindrance to the ambitions of both coaches. With or without a good green rectangle this Wednesday evening, effectiveness in front of the goal will be necessary to gain points.
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