This Saturday at 5:00 PM, OGC Nice, third in Ligue 1, travels to Alsace to face Racing Club de Strasbourg, fourth in the standings. For this clash, Christophe Galtier will unfortunately have to deal with several absences.
This is surely one of the most important matches of the season for Gym, this trip to Strasbourg is crucial in the race for the Champions League. A victory on RSCA ground would give a major advantage in the top 3 of the championship.
The first leg at the Allianz Riviera was a big disappointment because Racing easily won 3-0. There is no doubt that the Eagles still remember this crushing defeat as it is the only time this season that Nice conceded 3 goals.
OGC Nice must therefore perform well, particularly in defense. But unfortunately, Christophe Galtier is missing many defenders for this match. Already affected by collarbone and knee injuries respectively, Youcef Atal and Jordan Amavi are still not available. To these two injury absences, two suspensions are added, those of Jean-Clair Todibo and Flavius Daniliuc. Dante, Jordan Lotomba, and Melvin Bard will surely be there, but who will compose the central defense with the Brazilian captain?
It will probably be a defensive midfielder who will be positioned at the center of the defense. Several options are available to the Nice coach, it could be Danilo Barbosa. The Brazilian was loaned until January to Palmeiras in his country. He came back to replace his compatriot Robson Bambu, and although he hasn’t played a single minute since his return, he has played as a central defender in Nice’s colors before.
Experienced, a leader on the field, and a very good defender, Morgan Schneiderlin could also be considered for a starting position. Mario Lemina has a profile similar to the former Manchester United player, and he too could partner Dante. These two players seem the most capable of replacing Todibo.
Another less likely option is the young Ivorian Ange Ahoussou. At 18 years old, he joined the Nice club this winter. Even though he is the only natural central defender available, he has yet to make an appearance with Gym, and Christophe Galtier will surely not launch him into such an important match.
