OGC Nice must absolutely win against Zulte Waregem to continue their European adventure. This would be a bright spot in what has been a rather dull start to the season…
THE OPPONENT
Before the first leg, Francky Dury’s men were displaying good form in the league. They have experienced a slight slowdown in recent weeks. This has a well-established starting point: the first leg defeat in Rome, against Lazio (0-2). Since then, Zulte has suffered 6 defeats and secured 1 victory in the Jupiler League. This slump has seen them drop from 6th to 9th position in the standings.
SOME STATS
→ Nice has never drawn a game in the UEFA Cup/Europa League (8 wins, 10 losses). Only Inter Bratislava (28) has played more Europa League games (excluding preliminary rounds) without ever drawing a match.
→ Zulte-Waregem has won 3 of their last 4 away games in the Europa League, with one loss at Lazio this season (0-2).
→ Nice has made the most passes (2644) and has the highest pass accuracy percentage (91.2%) in the Europa League this season.
→ 7 of the 8 goals conceded by Zulte Waregem in the Europa League this season have been from open play (1 from a corner).
→ No player has made more interceptions than Maxime Le Marchand in the 2017/18 Europa League (16).
THE NICE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Jallet, Souquet, Burner, Dante, Marlon, Le Marchand
Midfielders: Koziello, Mendy, Seri, Lusamba, Tameze, Walter, Lees-Melou, Sneijder
Forwards: Balotelli, Pléa
THE WAREGEM SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Leali, Bostyn, De Nayer
Defenders: De Fauw, Beaudry, Heylen, Walsh, De Smet, Hamalainen
Midfielders: Kaya, De Pauw, Bala, Doumbia, De Sart, Cordaro, Kastanos, Coopman, Himpe
Forwards: Leya-Iseka, Saponjic
THE REFEREE
Luca Banti will be in the center of the field, whistle in hand. Born in Livorno in 1974, this will be the first time the official crosses paths with the Aiglons in an official competition. He will be assisted by Andrea Crispo and Fabiano Preti.
