Only three days after defeating AC Ajaccio (2-0), OGC Nice is set to seek a feat against Marseille in the French Cup’s round of 32. With a squad weakened by injuries, Claude Puel will try to manage the succession of matches. The first verdict will be seen Tuesday night at the Vélodrome.
The week is set to be challenging for Claude Puel’s men. With two tough matches in Marseille and Montpellier, the Nice coach might make decisions to preserve his players. With a roster missing Bauthéac, Pejcinovic, Eysseric, Pied, Bodmer, and Traoré, substitutes and young players from the CFA are forced to be aligned.
Not a big fan of cup competitions, Claude Puel might somewhat overlook the match in Marseille to prioritize the league and the trip to Montpellier. The Azuréen manager has shown this year several times by fielding less competitive teams, at least “on paper,” during the match in Limassol and recently in Nantes. A choice that might seem disappointing to some supporters.
However, matches against Marseille have a particular flavor and decide regional supremacy. Historically, Marseille is the number one enemy for Nice supporters. Even in a seemingly insignificant French Cup round of 32, a victory would greatly please fans. Deprived of emotions this year, Nice would then be four matches away from the Stade de France. An important situation given the gap the Gym has accumulated compared to the top 10 teams.
This season, Nice has already beaten Marseille in a reference match at the Allianz Riviera marked by a solidarity and commitment rarely seen in this first half of the championship. This Tuesday, they will face a Marseille team exempt from the league this weekend due to bad weather. The Marseillais, physically fresher, have a noticeable advantage. The Vélodrome’s pitch, drenched last Saturday, will also need to be monitored. The state of the field could very well decide the outcome of the match.
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