Le Gym hosts Toulouse this evening (8 PM) with the firm intention of bouncing back after an illogical defeat in Metz.
Last November 29, the Aiglons traveled to the Stadium for the first leg. Beaten by Lyon at home (5-0) and full of doubts, Lucien Favre’s group began its return to prominence. Trailing from the 3rd minute and reduced to 10 men just before halftime, it seemed they were heading towards their 9th defeat of the season in Ligue 1… It finally arrived at the end of January 2018, in Metz (1-2). In the meantime? A turnaround and a victory in Toulouse (2-1), followed by 5 wins and 2 draws in the league. Enough to brighten the outlook and climb up the rankings (Le Gym is 6th at the dawn of the 24th round, after having been in the relegation zone… during the first leg against Tรฉfรฉcรฉ).
For their first match of 2018, Le Gym returned to Haute-Garonne and faced the violet opponent. They did not achieve the same performance as during their first trip of the season. Lacking inspiration, they conceded a goal by Somalia in the 51st minute and did not have the momentum to overturn the events. This “revenge” prematurely ended the Aiglons’ journey in the Coupe de France (in the 32nd final).
As expected, Lucien Favre had to do without Souquet, Marlon, Le Marchand, Cyprien, and Saint-Maximin (unavailable). Lees-Melou and Balotelli are also suspended for this match.
On the bright side, Le Gym welcomes the return of Christophe Jallet and Arnaud Lusamba, while Ihsan Sacko has been called up for the first time in his new colors.
On the Toulouse side, although Alexis Blin, absent during the last matchday, and new signing Firmin Mubele (from Rennes) have been declared fit to play, Christopher Jullien and Issa Diop will not participate in the journey to the Cรดte d’Azur.
Forced to rethink his central defense, coach Mickaรซl Debรจve will also have to replace Issiaga Sylla (left-back), as well as the Brazilian Wergiton Somalia, the sole scorer in the 32nd final of the Coupe de France at the beginning of January (1-0 for TFC). Finally, Tรฉf’s second top scorer, Andy Delort (4 goals), is also unavailable for this match.
THE NICE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Sarr, Coly, Burner, Dante, Jallet, Perraud
Midfielders: Makengo, Marcel, Seri, Lusamba, Tameze, Mendy
Forwards: Plea, Srarfi, Sacko, Ganago
THE TOULOUSE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Goicoechea, Lafont
Defenders: Amian, Fortes, Michelin, Moubandje, Yago
Midfielders: Blin, Bodiger, Cahuzac, Durmaz, Imbula, Sangarรฉ
Forwards: Gradel, Jean, Mubele, Sanogo, Toivonen
THE REFEREE
The match will be refereed by Antony Gautier. He is assisted by Mickaรซl Annonier and Philippe Jeanne.
