After two consecutive defeats, the Aiglons end their week with a derby against OM, as part of the 19th matchday of Ligue 1. A perfect opportunity to react, at home. All the pre-match information for this clash can be found here.
What better than a Mediterranean derby to bounce back after a difficult week for OGC Nice? The Aiglons host their Marseille neighbors (kick-off this Sunday at 8:45 PM at the Allianz Riviera). As a reminder, Franck Haise’s men have suffered two consecutive defeats in all competitions. The Gym lost to LOSC (1-2) last weekend before once again succumbing during the European week on Elfsborg’s field (0-1), definitively saying goodbye to any chance of qualification in the Europa League.
In short, Nice’s current form is not optimal before this clash. However, they must not record another poor performance, under the risk of being left behind in the European race. But there are still some reasons for hope within the red and black squad. The Gym has not lost a single Ligue 1 match at home this season. During the first half of the season, OGC Nice held PSG and LOSC, and even defeated AS Monaco at the Allianz Riviera.
Sofiane Diop suspended
It’s the bad news for the OGC Nice side! In great form in recent weeks, the Moroccan international is suspended for this match. The attacking midfielder is paying the price for an accumulation of yellow cards received in recent matchdays. Franck Haise will therefore be without his playmaker for this fixture.
Meanwhile, Terem Moffi, Morgan Sanson, Victor Orakpo, Pablo Rosario, and Jérémie Boga remain in the infirmary. Uncertainty still looms over the presence of Moïse Bombito. Affected at the groin, the central defender has yet to play a match in 2025. Lastly, Nice’s latest winter recruit, Baptiste Santamaria, might make his debut in Franck Haise‘s squad.
On the other side, OM holds the 2nd place in the championship, with a seven-point lead over Nice, who are in 5th. The Phocaeans are coming off a draw last Sunday against Strasbourg (1-1). In the first leg, despite a fine performance by Nice, Roberto De Zerbi’s men ultimately won the derby (2-0). Injured players Valentin Rongier, Amine Harit, Faris Moumbagna, and Geoffrey Kondogbia will not participate in this match.
Probable line-ups:
Nice: Bulka – Abdelmonem, Ndayishimiye, Dante (C) – Clauss, Boudaoui, Ndombele, Abdi – Cho, Laborde, Guessand
Marseille: Rulli – Murillo, Balerdi (C), Cornelius – Henrique, Nadir, Hojbjerg, Garcia – Greenwood, Maupay, Rabiot.