OGC Nice can no longer afford any mistakes during their match against Sochaux. Having lost their way after a series of 7 losses in as many games, Nice is backed into a corner. Facing a direct competitor for survival, Claude Puel will be able to rely on the return of David Ospina.
The club from the Côte d’Azur wants to break this nightmarish streak that has gone down in history. Anything other than a win would confirm the new goal for the team from Nice, which is to stay in the league. Sixteenth in the standings, the Eagles are six points away from the first team in the relegation zone. This is a slim margin, indicating the danger looming over Claude Puel’s team.
Against Sochaux, the Nice coach can count on the big return of David Ospina, the Gym’s number one goalkeeper. He is someone capable of reassuring a totally lost defense. To win, Dario Cvitanich also needs to rediscover his efficiency. Silent for 5 league matches, the Argentine is the key to Nice’s attack. Dependent on their striker’s form, OGC Nice must put their jewel in the best possible conditions.
Midfielders Digard, Mendy, and Eysseric have struggled this season to bridge the gap between attack and defense. But the red and black defense remains the biggest weakness of this team. Without the grit of a Civelli, Nice has still not found a set defense. This is due to injuries and suspensions, but especially to chronic shakiness. Apart from Pejcinovic, who is lonely in the center, no other player has been satisfactory in defense.
Against Sochaux, Nice will have the chance to face a team in great difficulty. After changing coaches, Sochaux thought they had found a solution. However, the low level of their play and lack of success quickly dampened Sochaux’s hopes. On Saturday, they will be in the same mindset as Claude Puel’s Eagles, with the knife between their teeth. All the ingredients are there for a tense game, where the loser could relinquish much more than just 3 points.
