Ligue 1 preview – Montpellier Herault SC vs OGC Nice
Montpellier Herault SC are looking to hold on to their top spot in 2011/12 Ligue 1 Championelle as they face OGC Nice on 11 September, 2011, at Stade de la Mosson.
Montpellier
Montpellier were not prolific last season but seem to be a changed team now. They are looking stronger this season as they have already succeeded in scoring an impressive nine goals in four matches.
La Paillade have lost just once (against Olympique Lyonnais). Following their three wins, including a 1-0 win against defending champions LOSC Lille, they stand at first place in the fourth week of Ligue 1.
Coach Rene Girard will be pleased with how the team has shown a combination of defence and offence and will be looking to further extend their lead in the upcoming clash against Nice.
With the teams’ morale on a high after scoring a total 11 goals in their last 5 competitive games, La Paillade seem determined to extend their great run when they host Nice.
Veteran defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cyril-Jeunechamp-c9678 was quoted saying: "Everyone is keeping their feet firmly on the ground. You cannot get carried away after just four games.”
"It is going to be a tough match (against Nice), admits the 35-year-old Frenchman. “ They came here last season and held us to a draw (1-1)… From our point of view we need to continue our good form." He further added.
OGC Nice
Nice managed to stay clear from relegation last season. Much to the disappointment of the fans, Les Aiglons have not improved their game since last season as they are once again lying perilously close to the relegation zone.
Though they are yet to register a win in the 2011/12 Ligue 1 campaign, the Alpine club did register their first win in five games when they beat http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Toulouse-FC-c40751 2-1 in Coupe de La Ligue.
In the four games played by Nice, they have lost two including the 3-1 thrashing at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 and drew the other two.
Nice have lost to Montpellier in the last 5 meetings which means that Les Aiglons have to work hard to get something from an in-form Montpellier side.
Le Gym were busy in summer transfer window as they added nine players to their squad. Fans will have to wait and see whether they are able to perform.
Coach Eric Roy is frustrated about the team’s performance but is hopeful of a change in luck. Giving directions to his charges, he said: “To concentrate on the game and not to panic, but at the same time be aware of the situation,”
Regarding the game, the French tactician was quoted saying, “The game against Montpellier on Sunday is very important for us and the following one as well. When we are in deficit of points, all games are important.”
Team News
Montpellier
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Morocco-c2961 international Younes Belhanda is suspended for three games following the verdict of disciplinary committee of LFP.
A few injuries plague Montpelier’s dugout. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonathan-Tinhan-c19065 suffer from thigh injuries, while Fodé Koita is out due to an injured ankle. Gregory Lacombe has also injured his knee and will not be making an appearance at Stade de la Mosson.
Nice
Midfielder Emerse Fae is expected to be out for six months following a thigh injury. Recently signed http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984 international Yannick Djalo, will still be unable to play as he is ineligible to play for the club after being signed after the end of the transfer
window.
Former Arles-Avignon striker Franck Dja-Djedje and fellow Ivorian striker Abraham Gneki Guie are expected to make their season debuts at Stade de la Mosson for OGC Nice
Key Players
Player to watch for Montpellier will be http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Souleymane-Camara-c33845, who scored two goals against Stade Rennes in their 4-0 win over the Bretons.
Goalkeeper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Ospina-c10573 will be the key to Nice’s chances of getting something out of the encounter. The Colombian has managed to make some fine saves in the 2011/12 campaign.
Prediction
Les Aiglons new recruits will take some time in settling in and although they are desperate to record a win, La Paillade have a more balanced team and being in good form, will have no major worries in defeating an under-performing Nice side.
Predicted final score: Montpellier Herault SC 3-1 OGC Nice
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