After snatching a draw in the last seconds at Troyes, Claude Puel’s protégés begin a week that could be crucial with two home matches against Rennes (tonight at 7 PM) and then against Evian (Saturday at 8 PM). With a fair 9th place tied with Toulouse, the eagles can hope to soar much higher in the standings if they achieve good results.
There are therefore 6 points at stake against two teams that hold different positions in the standings, with Rennes in 7th place with 26 points, while Evian, with 16 points, is the first relegation-threatened team, although tied on points with Ajaccio and Sochaux. These two teams will come to Ray looking for points, one to get back into the “European” group, the other to climb out of the red zone.
If confidence reigns in the red and black house, caution is needed against Frédéric Antonetti’s protégés, who will relish the pleasure of claiming at least a small point on his former land where he left fond memories. However, there is no doubt that Claude Puel will be eager to confirm his team’s good performances, promising not only a great on-field contest but also an intriguing bench battle. For the Nice coach, he will have the luxury of choosing his starting eleven as only Palun is absent due to suspension.
With three more points on the scoreboard, the eagles could approach the arrival of Evian, this Saturday at Ray, with much more serenity. The verdict is tonight starting at 8 PM on the hill of Nice!
Stats Nice – Rennes
39 encounters in L1
23 victories for Nice
9 draws
7 victories for Rennes
78 goals for Nice
40 goals for Rennes
Claude Puel has announced a squad of 18 players for the reception of Rennes on Tuesday (7 PM) at Ray.
Goalkeepers: Ospina, Delle
Defenders: Civelli, Genevois, Gomis, Kolodziejczak, Pejcinovic
Midfielders: Abriel, Diaz, Digard, Eysseric, Meriem, Traoré
Forwards: Bauthéac, Bosetti, Cvitanich, Maupay, Pied
Absent
Bahoken, Dao Castellana, Fofana, Hennion, M’Bow, Pentecôte (injured), Palun (suspended), Berthomier, Fernandez, Hassen (coach’s decision), Anin
