OGC Nice will travel this Saturday (5 PM) to Parc des Princes to face Paris-Saint-Germain, the defending champions. As always, it promises to be a difficult encounter against a team on an 8-game winning streak. Any point brought back will be a bonus.
In the Eagles’ schedule, bringing back 1 or 3 points from the trip to Paris isn’t marked. Nevertheless, this Gym team is far from being a joke against the Top 5, except in the match in Marseille (loss 4-0). We saw them being interesting for 60 minutes against Lyon (loss 3-1), revolted against FC Nantes in the second half (loss 2-1), and above Bordeaux before all referee decisions went against them (loss 3-1). Claude Puel’s men remain without a win for four matches (3 in Ligue 1 and 1 in the Coupe de la Ligue) and cannot be satisfied with the current 11th place. The coach and the president keep saying, this squad deserves better.
“It’s a showpiece match, the four games (against Rennes, in Caen, against Saint-Etienne, and in Lens) that follow will be more important. We are facing a great European team that has shown real character since the start of the season. If we speculate on their qualities, if we overthink it, we should just stay at home,” explained Claude Puel at a press conference this Thursday.
The Nice team can count on the return of the suspended players, Eric Bauthéac and Lloyd Palun. Carlos Eduardo, absent against Reims, remains uncertain. There is no scheduled return for key players Digard and Bodmer, who are still in the infirmary. Last season, Nice rattled PSG at home (loss 1-0) and attempted an upset away (loss 3-1). The last victory of the Eagles in the capital dates back to 2009 (1-0) with a goal by Loïc Rémy.
“We have nothing to lose there. We shouldn’t be intimidated. If we are, we might end up conceding a lot. On the counter, why not score, since they do concede goals. It’s up to us to show character and be realistic,” said Alexy Bosetti in the traditional pre-match press conference.
At the defending champions, everything is looking good. Still unbeaten this season, the Parisians secured their eighth consecutive win in all competitions against Ajax Amsterdam in the Champions League this Tuesday. The return to form of Ibrahimovic and the success of Cavani do not inspire confidence. And yet, Metz and Ajax did put this team in danger with high and collective pressing. Only two players will be absent: Verratti and Cabaye, both injured. Thiago Silva trained normally but remains uncertain.
An upset is always possible as everything can change quickly in football. A draw or, even better, a win, and Nice would start December with a good dose of confidence against Rennes on Wednesday. Dare to dream, Eagles?
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