Facing a direct competitor for maintenance, Nîmes Olympique is expected this Sunday (3 p.m.) at the Costières stadium to clinch a second victory of the season. A meeting far from being minor before moving to the derby against Montpellier and receiving PSG.
They are still nine Ligue 1 teams to have won no or only one match after their first four days. Concerned, Nîmes Olympique is therefore in the trend after an inaugural success against Brest (4-0), two defeats in Nantes (2-1) and against Rennes (2-4) then this point of the draw brought back from Lyon ( 0-0). Where the Crocs have shown their ability to defend well under pressure. The stitches machine continues to be fed but in the maintenance operation it is also necessary to carburize at the three points.
All the more so at home, facing a promoted who is in fact a direct competitor for maintenance. “We lost three points against Rennes, we are keen to make up for it”, summarizes the defender Loïck Landre, former resident of the Sang et Or from 2013 to 2016, aware of the issue. These matches are inevitably marked as potential victories. As we know very well, the truth of the calendar is not always that of the field. Few observers thought that the Crocos would take a point from the semi-finalist of the last Champions League and even less that Racing would beat PSG (1-0), admittedly diminished.
Seven points in five days: “I would like it”
And thus point to fourth in the championship after four days with three consecutive victories on the clock. After the champion of France, the Artésiens dominated Lorient (2-3) and Bordeaux (2-1) after an inaugural defeat in Nice (2-1). A direct opponent who therefore presents himself with confidence and certainty. Nîmes also has it and a success would allow to have a margin ahead of the red zone with seven points in five games. “It could help to validate this good start to the season”, admits Loïck Landre, “I would like it”, imagine Jérôme Arpinon.
Especially before moving to Montpellier for the derby, where the Gardois have returned twice empty-handed since the ascent, and then receive Neymar, Mbappé and company. Among the arguments to be made the premises can rely on this statistic, Nîmes is the second team to have suffered the most faults (61) since the start of the season. “We are a forward-looking team who are not afraid to play with dribblers, it makes sense to suffer faults”, comments the Gardois coach. His players are still likely to suffer this afternoon since only Lorient (73) committed more faults than Lens (70).
Intensity in the duels in perspective, which should please Andrés Cubas. Author of a nice goal against Rennes and very valuable in the recovery at Groupama Stadium, the little Paraguayan who has become indisputable should continue this Sunday. Certainly associated with Lucas Deaux who is back in the group, after his calf problems, in place of Sidy Sarr. The test carried out this Saturday proved conclusive for the former Guingampais. On the other hand, Moussa Koné (thigh) and Sofiane Alakouch (ankle) remain absent. At home, Jérôme Arpinon should return to 4-2-3-1 or even install a 4-4-2 outright with Yassine Benrahou on the left wing as he tried this Friday in training. In any case, as a winger or at the top, Renaud Ripart will resume service on the offensive level.
With Burner in a 4-4-2?
“Whether I put it in front or behind it gives me satisfaction, assures his trainer even if in defense it lacks a little automation while in attack he scores goals. “ The arrival of right-back Patrick Burner should seal this return to basics. The former Nice is in the group and could even make his debut against the Lensois. The fact that he is short of competition with only a few minutes played in mid-August, could push his coach to again align Gaëtan Paquiez who did his job against the Rhone. On the left, Birger Meling is back as is Pablo Martinez, who should remain on the bench, especially alongside young Marco Majouga, once again selected.
After Burner, we impatiently await the last reinforcements on the Nîmes side. Once his visa obtained Karim Aribi should finally land. Diego Rolan is also on the right track. Recruits, the RCL can not align them all and in particular Seko Fofana, the most expensive in the history of the club (10M €), injured with ischios. Clément Michelin (ankle), Cheick Traoré (rehabilitation) and Charles Boli (recovery phase) are also forfeited. The technician Franck Haise can especially count on his number ten Gaël Kakuta who has already converted three penalties since the start of the season and on the striker Ignatius Ganago who has scored each time in the three victories. Faced with these two formidable weapons, we can be reassured by saying that Nîmes has distributed its forces better with six different scorers since the start of the championship.
Corentin Corger
The selected group: Reynet, Dias – Paquiez, Burner, Martinez, Landre, Briançon, Miguel, Meling – Fomba, Cubas, Deaux, Ahlinvi – Ripart, Ferhat, Benrahou, Roux, Denkey, Duljevic, Majouga.
Probable composition: Reynet – Paquiez or Burner, Briançon (cap.), Landre, Meling – Ferhat, Cubas, Deaux, Benrahou – Roux, Ripart.
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