19th Matchday of Ligue 1, here we go! The Gym hosts FC Metz and hopes to start its second half of the season in the championship after the setback suffered against Rennes earlier in the year.
Having brilliantly entered the competition with two wins in the French Cup this month, the Aiglons didn’t get off to the same start in Ligue 1. Indeed, Farioli’s team lost to Stade Rennais (0-2) in a tough away match. No need to panic though, the best defense in France (11 goals conceded) was missing several players due to injuries, suspensions, or players departing to play in the CAN in Côte d’Ivoire.
However, beware of Brest and Monaco lurking just behind in the standings, with one and two points respectively behind PSG’s runner-up currently at 35 points. On their side, close to the relegation zone (15th), Metz has been struggling and is on a series of 5 consecutive elite defeats. Is there an opportunity for them to bounce back on the Riviera soil? It seems complicated knowing that Nice is unbeaten at home this season.
Boudaoui back in the squad
Abruptly eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations with the Algerian team, Hicham Boudaoui is making his comeback. He is also accompanied by Youcef Atal, who will return to the squad next week. Despite the heavy atmosphere surrounding the player, Francesco Farioli prioritizes the game: “he is under contract until June. He will return with the team. His suspension is over, so the player is available,” the coach explained in a press conference this Thursday. Romain Perraud is exempt from injury (thigh) and will be present in the squad.
Probable Lineups
Nice: Bulka – Lotomba, Todibo, Dante, Bard – Sanson, Ndayishimiye, Thuram – Laborde, Guessan, Cho
Metz: Oukidja – Colin, Traoré, Kouao, Udol – Jean-Jacques, N’Doram – Asoro, Atta, Sabaly – Mikautadze
