After two encouraging wins, the Gym hosts LOSC, a strong team from the top of the table, this Saturday evening (8 pm). It’s a great opportunity to continue the great start to the season for Lucien Favre’s men.
Co-leader of Ligue 1 with Lyon and Paris, OGC Nice knows they are expected to perform. With their two narrow wins, they need to confirm and ensure their standing. The defense seems to hold up well, but the attack lacks a bit of flair. It’s in this area that the Aiglons will be eager to excel tonight.
After a week mainly marked by the arrival of Brazilian international Dante, who came to strengthen the central defense, the Nice team got back to work to approach the match against LOSC in the best possible conditions.
The Europa League break is over; for now, the focus must be on the championship. Despite the ongoing notable absence of one, or even two offensive recruits, Nice will have to ensure and show a more composed face, and above all, retreat less at the end of the match.
The opponent
LOSC lost many core players this summer: Sidibé, Rodelin, Balmont, and soon Boufal… But Lille has managed to strengthen with some experienced players: Palmieri, Sankharé, the return of Rony Lopes, not to mention the purchase of Eder, the only scorer in the Euro 2016 final.
This summer, the Dogues played four friendly matches, winning two (1-0 against Dunkerque and 1-0 against Waasland-Beveren) and drawing two (0-0 against Red Star and KV Oostende).
However, LOSC experienced a major disappointment by being eliminated from the Europa League in the third qualifying round. Against Qabala FK, an Azerbaijani club, Lille eventually stumbled (1-1 in the first leg, losing 1-0 in the return leg) and exited in a disappointing manner.
In Ligue 1, after an opening defeat at FC Metz (3-2), Lille narrowly beat Dijon FCO, thanks to a late goal by Younousse Sankharé. The Dogues are currently in eleventh place in the standings.
The absentees
On the Nice side, the prolonged absences of Walter Benitez, Maxime Le Marchand, Mickaël Le Bihan, and Gautier Lloris (injured) are regrettable. Lucien Favre also decided not to include Burner, Benrahma, Caddy, Rafetraniaina, and Vercauteren, who were left available for the CFA. Anastasios Donis was not called up and was replaced in the group by Bosetti.
As for Lille, the absentees are Marko Basa, Sofiane Boufal, Junior Tallo, Rio Mavuba, Rony Lopes, and Mounir Obbadi.
The referee
The referee for the match will be François Letexier. He will be assisted on the sidelines by Mickaël Lamouche and Cyril Mugnier. This is the second time Mr. Letexier will encounter the Nice team in the championship, after having officiated the last Nice – Toulouse match held at Allianz Riviera (1-0 victory, goal by Ben Arfa).
Photo credit and more information on www.ogcnice.com
