After an unfortunate break in the Europa League, Gym returns to Ligue 1 this afternoon (3 p.m.) with a tough trip to Montpellier.
Forgetting the European misstep. The task will not be easy, but the Aiglons must refocus on the championship to continue their good run and remain unbeaten. If they win, they would remain the only team, along with Monaco, yet to stumble in the championship.
Despite fatigue and low morale, Nice must regroup and not dwell on a false note. Aside from the defeat against Schalke 04, the start of the season for Nice has been idyllic: three wins and one draw, the last of which was snatched in the final minutes against the Marseille rival. What better than a trip to Hérault, against a team with a mixed record, to bounce back?
Midfielder Rémi Walter reminded in a press conference that “all matches are beneficial for all players. It’s important to play games like these, to progress, evolve, and understand certain things.”
The Opponent
Montpellier hasn’t experienced any major changes in its squad during the offseason. The main departures include Jonas Martin (Real Betis), Bryan Dabo (ASSE), Jamel Saihi (Angers SCO), Ramy Bensebaini (Stade Rennais), and Djamel Bakar (Charleroi).
On the arrivals side, Montpellier has secured the loans of Anthony Vanden Borre (RSC Anderlecht) and Yacouba Sylla (Rennes). The Héraultais also retrieved Steve Mounié after a season on loan at nearby Nîmes.
This summer, Montpellier played five friendly matches, resulting in three wins (2-0 against AF Lozère, 2-1 against Clermont, and 3-0 against Real Betis), one draw (1-1 against Sunderland), and one defeat (3-0 against Toulouse).
In the championship, Frédéric Hantz’s men occupy the fourteenth spot in the standings. The record is rather mixed: after an inaugural win against Angers (1-0), Montpellier lost to Saint-Étienne (3-1) before going through two draws against Rennes (1-1) and then on the field of Guingamp (1-1).
The Absentees
On the Nice side, the prolonged absences of Walter Benitez, Maxime Le Marchand, Mickaël Le Bihan, and Gautier Lloris (injured) are to be noted.
In addition, Mario Balotelli is notably absent, rested after two full matches played following more than four months without play. Mika Seri, who was hit on the shoulder Thursday night, is also out. Alexy Bosetti is among the absentees as well.
The only absentee for Montpellier is Pierrick Fito, injured with the reserve team.
The Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Hassen
Defenders: Baysse, Boscagli, Dalbert, Dante, Ricardo, Sarr, Souquet
Midfielders: Bodmer, Cyprien, Eysseric, Koziello, Walter
Forwards: Belhanda, Donis, Lusamba, Pléa
The Montpellier Squad
Goalkeepers: Jourdren, Pionnier
Defenders: Poaty, Vanden Borre, Deplagne, Hilton, Rémy, Congré, Roussillon
Midfielders: Skhiri, Sylla, Marveaux, Sanson, Boudebouz
Forwards: Ninga, Bérigaud, Mounié, Camara
The Referee
The match referee will be Lionel Jaffredo. He will be assisted on the sides by Pierre Chevreux and Tugdual Philippe. Mr. Jaffredo will reunite with the Nice team, which he last refereed during their last trip to Parc OL and the draw against Olympique Lyonnais on April 15th. The Aiglons conceded a draw (1-1).
Photo credit and more information on www.ogcnice.com
