This Friday, OGC Nice welcomes Olympique de Marseille, kicking off the 13th round of Ligue 1. After some disappointing performances, the Eagles want to take advantage of the derby to get back on track. All the pre-match information for this clash can be found here.
What better way to bounce back than a derby for OGC Nice? After two weeks of rest—thanks to the international break—the Eagles resume their league campaign with a big matchup: Olympique de Marseille. Franck Haise’s men have a date with their second derby of the season (kick-off this Friday at 8:45 PM at the Allianz Riviera). For the Gym, it’s also the perfect opportunity to restart after yet another halt in Ligue 1 before the break. In this rollercoaster season, Sofiane Diop’s teammates are coming off two consecutive losses in the championship. The latest was against FC Metz, where the team spirit and solidarity were again lacking for the club from the Côte d’Azur, overturned in the second half after having taken the lead (1-2).
Paradoxically, OGC Nice has done quite well against the top teams in Ligue 1 this season. Aside from a narrow defeat at the Parc des Princes, the Niçois have won against LOSC (2-0), against OL (3-2), and on Rennes’ turf (2-1). Jérémie Boga’s teammates also earned a draw in the other Southern derby, against AS Monaco (2-2). This is also a sign that the Eagles are capable of defeating almost anyone on their day. Last year, Franck Haise’s players beat their Marseille rivals at the Allianz Riviera (2-0). Back then, Evann Guessand and Mohamed-Ali Cho were the scorers in the red and black triumph.
Without Dante or Boudaoui?
We’ll have to wait a bit longer before seeing the Brazilian back in the colors of OGC Nice. Still struggling with his knees, the red and black captain is not ready to play in this derby. It’s a tough blow for the Gym and Dante, who were aiming for the defender’s return for this clash. On his part, Hicham Boudaoui is also reportedly uncertain for this match. A decision regarding his participation will be made in the coming hours.
In addition to these two key players, Franck Haise remains without several of his other players: Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Moïse Bombito, and Mohamed Abdelmonem, who are injured. Terem Moffi, however, is vying for a starting spot. The Nigerian striker made his return before the break, coming off the bench during the match in Metz. But the Nice attacker couldn’t prevent his team’s defeat that day.
On the other hand, Olympique de Marseille is in 2nd place in Ligue 1, tied with RC Lens, just behind the leader, Paris Saint-Germain. The Olympians have big ambitions this season in the league. Roberto De Zerbi will have to do without some of his squad. Marseille’s infirmary is full: Nayef Aguerd, Amine Gouiri, Facundo Medina, Amir Murillo, and Hamed Junior Traoré, who are injured, are all unavailable for this derby. However, the Phocéens can count on the presence of their captain, Leo Balerdi, who is back from suspension.
Probable line-ups:
Nice: Diouf – Mendy, Oppong, Bard (C) – Clauss, Vanhoutte, Abdul Samed, Abdi – Cho, Moffi, Diop
Marseille: Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi (C), Kondogbia, Emerson – Højbjerg, Vermeeren – Greenwood, Gomes, Paixao – Aubameyang.
