OGC Nice hosts Montpellier tonight at Stade du Ray for the 21st day of the Ligue 1 championship. Kick-off is at 7 PM.
The Eagles have no other choice. 18th in the standings with the same number of points as Ajaccio, the bottom team, René Marsiglia’s players must win at all costs against a Montpellier team that is second in the standings and does not want to let the Parisian leader fly away. A match that promises to be “physical” for both teams that play a lot on impact and easily go head-to-head.
Defeated at Ray in the last two seasons, the Azuréens will be even more eager to take their revenge against a Hérault team that has suffered two consecutive away defeats (at Valenciennes and Evian). In contrast, the Niçois are on a two-game winning streak at home (2-0 against Rennes and Valenciennes). Unable to win away, as shown by the new rout two weeks ago against Brest, Renato Civelli’s teammates must collect and snatch at all costs the points at home if they do not want to exit the elite… No matter the opponent.
First for Fofana and Anin
Once again, too many absences are to be reported on the Nice side. Palun, Mouloungui, Diakité, and Coulibaly are still at the CAN while David Hellebuyck and Stephane Bahoken are out (injuries). Coach René Marsiglia should also not be able to count on Fabrice Abriel and Franck Dja Djédjé suffering from injuries on the right thigh and therefore doubtful.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Nice coach will also have to do without his right-back François Clerc, who is suspended. The coach had to rack his brains to find an ideal substitute to replace the former Lyon player. It is finally Diacko Fofana who should start, a 17-year-old youth currently playing with the reserves in the CFA, and totally inexperienced in Ligue 1. “I am reassured by the quality of his training and his commitment. And then, at some point, we have to stop saying, ‘isn’t it too early? Is it the right time?’ There is no good or bad time. We’re going to give him his chance. He deserves it. Then, whatever happens during the match, I will assume this thoughtful choice,” he declared.
René Marsiglia will also be able to rely on his new recruit Kevin Anin, who signed with Nice a few days ago. The former Sochaux player should make his first strides in red and black tonight.
