This Sunday evening, OGC Nice will face Olympique de Marseille in the closing match of the 31st round of Ligue 1. After a week marked by Nice’s qualification for the final of the Coupe de France, the Aiglons must refocus on their objective of remaining in the league. This goal will require a result in the Southern derby, on the field of their rival. All the pre-match information for this encounter can be found here.
Yes, OGC Nice is in the final of the Coupe de France! After their victory against Strasbourg, the Aiglons have earned the right to challenge RC Lens at the Stade de France on May 22nd. But until then, the Aiglons are focused on their main goal for the end of the season: maintaining the club in Ligue 1. There are not many opportunities left to score points, and the gap with AJ Auxerre—the current playoff team—remains at four points. Coach Claude Puel‘s men were unable to put their opponent at a distance last week, despite a good point gained from a trip to Lille (0-0). In their last two outings, teammates of Salis Abdul Samed have shown encouraging signs. The Nice team has regained defensive solidity, along with a collective and supportive spirit that had disappeared for several months.
Most importantly, OGC Nice can rely on their X-factor, Elye Wahi. In great form, the red and black striker was a major factor in the Gym’s qualification for the Coupe de France. In this system, the former Montpellier player is often isolated and deprived of balls, making numerous runs and efforts upfront. Against Strasbourg, he needed only one opportunity to unlock the situation before doubling the lead, almost nonchalantly, from a penalty. There is no doubt that Wahi will be one of the key players in the derby, facing a Marseille team where he couldn’t make his mark during his stint (August 2024 – January 2025) at the club.
OGC Nice will rely on the return of Dante
Against Marseille—kick-off of the match this Sunday at 8:45 PM at the Orange Vélodrome—Claude Puel is unlikely to change his plans drastically. The OGC Nice coach has almost found his ideal eleven, or at least his playing system. With five defenders on the field, the priority remains securing the defensively vulnerable area that has shown weakness so many times this season. Disappointing against Strasbourg, Tom Louchet could find himself back on the bench. This might benefit a more offensive profile like Mohamed-Ali Cho or Sofiane Diop.
In the squad, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and Moïse Bombito remain unavailable. The Burundian defender is closest to returning, having resumed team training this week. Nevertheless, it is still too soon for him to hope to return to competition. On a positive note, Dante could make his comeback for the derby. Absent from the last three matches, the captain of OGC Nice has received good news in recent hours.
On the other side, Olympique de Marseille holds the 6th place in Ligue 1, with a 23-point lead over Nice. Sixth in the league, the Phocéens are still in the running for a podium place. However, Habib Beye‘s men have faced challenging weeks, with inconsistent results and disappointing performances. Last weekend, the teammates of Mason Greenwood fell on the field of Lorient (0-2). Notably, Igor Paixao and Amine Gouiri are absent due to injuries and will not participate in this derby.
Probable line-ups:
OM: Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi (C), Medina – Weah, Hojbjerg, Timber, Emerson – Greenwood, Aubameyang, Traoré
OGC Nice: Diouf – Clauss, Mendy, Oppong, Bah, Bard – Sanson (C), Boudaoui, Abdul Samed (or Diop) – Wahi, Cho.
