This Friday, OGC Nice hosts AJ Auxerre, kicking off the 26th round of Ligue 1. After their defeat to Lyon last Sunday, the Eagles are aiming to recreate a positive dynamic. All the pre-match information for this match can be discovered here.
OGC Nice wants to get back on track! Surprised at home by OL (0-2) last Sunday, the Eagles want to quickly turn the page before the next international break. Despite this defeat, Franck Haise’s men have maintained their spot on the podium. However, the gap with their pursuers has narrowed. The Gym currently holds only a two-point lead over Monaco and Lille, who are currently 4th and 5th in Ligue 1 respectively.
A red-and-black reaction is thus expected this Friday evening (kick-off at 8:45 PM at Allianz Riviera). The teammates of Sofiane Diop must secure the crucial three points in the race for European spots. To achieve this, the Nice players will need to be more effective in both penalty areas, which was not the case last weekend. The Eagles paid dearly at the end of the match, conceding two goals almost back-to-back against Lyon.
Jonathan Clauss suspended
Caution is advised regarding Morgan Sanson and Terem Moffi. This weekend, the midfielder will play a friendly with the elite group, synonymous with the OGC Nice reserve team. The match is scheduled for this Thursday against Brighton’s U23s. Subsequently, the Nigerian international will also spend time with the reserve. The red-and-black striker will participate in the next elite group match on March 26th. No risks are being taken with these two players. Neither Sanson nor Moffi is expected to be included in the squad to face Auxerre this Friday.
Additionally, Jonathan Clauss will not participate in this match either. Suspended, the French international pays for an accumulation of yellow cards received during the Gym’s recent games. Finally, Franck Haise will serve his third and final match of suspension. The Azurean coach will again follow the match from the stands of Allianz Riviera. His assistant, Lilian Nalis, will manage the team from the sidelines.
On the other hand, AJ Auxerre holds the 11th place in Ligue 1. Christophe Pélissier’s men have a comfortable cushion above the relegation zone. AJA can even aim for a final spot in the Top 10 of the championship. The teammates of Gaëtan Perrin are coming off a solid away victory at Stade de Reims (0-2). For this match, defender Clément Akpa is suspended after an accumulation of yellow cards.
Probable line-ups:
OGC Nice: Bulka – Bombito, Ndayishimiye, Dante (C) – Louchet, Boudaoui, Santamaria, Bard – Guessand, Laborde, Cho
Auxerre: Léon – Hoever, Osho, Jubal (C), Diomandé, Mensah – Danois, Owusu – Perrin, Bair, Traoré.