Embarking on an undefeated streak of 12 matches, Les Girondins are all geared up to take on OGC Nice, at Stade Chaban-Delmas, as the fourth weekend of the French Ligue 1 rolls
Catch-22 situation for Nice
The miseries for OGC Nice continue as they look forward to grab their first victory of the campaign. The Nice side did not enjoy a start they had dreamt of. Things however are not going to get better for Nice as they take on a Bordeaux side, undefeated in
12 matches.
Les Aiglons, who could only muster 2 out of 9 points in the current campaign, stand on a paltry 15th spot in the points table, way behind Bordeaux. After having lost to Ajaccio 1-0 at home in the opening match of the season, Nice showed considerable
improvement, earning a stalemate in the next match, followed by a 2-2 draw at Stade Municipal du Ray, manager Claude Puel still has a tough task ahead.
Earlier in the week, Nice had to swallow the bitter pill of the news of the departure of Argentine left-back Fabian Monzon to Kasimpasaapor. He is the same player, who helped the team last season end a disappointing run of 35 years without a victory at Bordeaux.
It is pertinent to mention here that in the last 45 meetings between the two clubs at Stade Chaban-Delmas, the hosts have secured 34 victories over their rivals. In other departures, striker Abraham Guie Guie was also loaned out to Lausanne (SWI).
However, Nice endured a busy week in the transfer market in terms of successful coups too, which featured Jeremy Pied and Valentin Eysseri’s official unveiling at the club on Wednesday. Earlier transfer market saw Claude Puel grabbing striker Dario Cvitanich’s
signature to the side too.
An unforgettable season
Bordeaux, set to host OGC Nice on Sunday, are yet again deemed favourites for the match. The last season’s fifth place side is set to continue with the blistering form against Nice, having already beaten Red Star Belgrade 3-2 earlier in the week.
The Thursday night clash saw a thrilling encounter between the two sides as Red Star Belgrade side pulled off a surprise goal, making it 2-2 in the final minute. The 2-2 scoreline could have ensured an easy sailing for the Serbians on away goals rule. It
was however Gouffran’s penalty in the stoppage time that earned a heart stopping victory for Les Girondins.
The jubilant coach of Bordeaux, Francis Gillot, was full of praise for his men as he said, “This had all the ingredients of a big European night”. The post match comments also saw Francis adding, “We knew that the group stage will be tough. Red Star was
excellent and this is only the play-offs. We have new objectives now, starting with Nice this weekend.”
Bordeaux stand 4th in the current Ligue 1 standings and were only denied their 9th consecutive Ligue 1 victory by the star-studded Paris Saint-Germain last weekend.
Team News
Girondins de Bordeaux
The latest prominent injury casualty to have surfaced is Cheick Diabate, who has already missed out on midweek’s clash against Red Star Belgrade. Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Mathieu Chalme and David Bellion also face sidelines due to injury and fitness problems.
However, Abdou Traore returned to training this week after having spent time on the sidelines due to a thigh injury. Traore might well play in the match.
It is important to note that Bordeaux has secured two victories in the current campaign and the Poland midfielder, Ludovic Obraniak, has scored in both of the matches. Obraniak was also the pioneer of the last gasp penalty at the stroke of injury time, in
a thrilling Europa League qualifier on Thursday.
OGC Nice
Much to Claude Puel's leave, Nice do not face any injury problems as Renato Civelli and Kevin Anin have both returned to action last week and are set to play in tomorrow’s match. Dario Cvitanich, Nice’ summer signing, has also indicated his desire to start
for the club this weekend, and might see his wish come true on Sunday.
Final score: The predicted score at the full time whistle is expected to be a 2-1 win for Bordeaux.
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