Rarely has a Nice-OM match been as exciting as it was passionate, and the sold-out Ray stadium is one of the irrefutable proofs of this. However, when you look closer, this match is undoubtedly one of the most enticing fixtures in recent weeks of Ligue 1.
Indeed, on paper, the fixture is quite attractive: the 5th team, with 48 points, hosts the 3rd, which has 51 points and is just two small units behind second place, Olympique Lyonnais. And it will certainly be the cherry on the cake that each supporter hopes will be the most delicious for their side.
And for good reason, with a victory, the Marseillais would place their Nice neighbors six points behind while hoping for a Lyon mishap against Sochaux to perfect this good operation. As for Nice, a win would allow them not only to surpass their opponent of the day on goal difference but also to keep an ear out for the results of Saint-Etienne’s trip to Troyes and Lille’s visit to Brest, two lower-ranked teams in real need of points to escape or distance themselves from the dreaded relegation zone.
With the combined returns of Dario Cvitanich and Jérémy Pied, good news is once again raining on the red and black house, ready to play this derby, which could well be the benchmark match of this fabulous season for the Eagles. But, Claude Puel and Jean-Pierre Rivère, who have been very present in the media these last few days, are well aware: “Our current sporting results are interesting. But we must not forget: their development remains very unpredictable,” states the red and black president while for the Nice coach, “We still have to progress and return to our dear studies.” As we can see, while optimism is required, the two pillars of OGC Nice do not intend to rush things, and a poor result against their Marseille neighbor would not question all the excellent work done this season.
In Nice, the change was indeed meant for now…
Referees for Nice vs. Marseille
The LFP has appointed the referees for the Nice vs. Marseille match on Sunday, March 31st (30th matchday of Ligue 1). Laurent Duhamel will officiate with the whistle, assisted by Cyril Saint Cricq Lompre and Djemel Zitouni. The fourth referee will be Olivier Thual.
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