For their first match of the season, the Gym will host Stade de Reims, who have just returned to Ligue 1. This duel will provide some insight into OGC Nice under Patrick Vieira.
OGC Nice lost a lot during this summer transfer window. Whether it be the players (Pléa, Seri, Le Marchand) or the coach with the departure of Lucien Favre. Not qualifying for European competitions after a complicated end to the season, Nice narrowly avoided going off course by keeping Jean-Pierre Rivère and Julien Fournier at the helm. This season, the Gym has to start over. With Patrick Vieira now at the controls of the team, he intends to uphold his playing principles and perhaps taste European football once again.
Promoted to Ligue 1 after two years in Ligue 2, Reims have lost key players and can aim for nothing more than survival. However, buoyed by a Ligue 2 title, the club from the Champagne region hopes to secure a mid-table finish.
THE NICE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Boscagli, Sarr, Dante, Hérelle, Atal, Burner
Midfielders: Danilo, Tameze, Cyprien, Makengo, Lees-Melou
Forwards: Saint-Maximin, Perraud, Diaby-Fadiga, Sacko, Srarfi
THE REIMS SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Carrasso, Mendy
Defenders: Abdelhamid, Disasi, Fontaine, Kamara, Konan, Métanire
Midfielders: Cafaro, Chavelrain, Martin, Mbemba, Ndom, Romao
Forwards: Chavarria, Doumbia, Oudin, Kyei
THE REFEREE
Johan Hamel will referee the first match of the season. He will be assisted by Stéphan Pignatelli and Mathieu Grosbost.
