As the new year begins, Nice and Rennes will renew their Ligue 1 rivalry at the Allianz Riviera on Friday. The two teams have met in their first game of the calendar year in the last three seasons, with Rennes winning the last two games.
Currently sitting in sixth place, Nice will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run in the French top flight.
Franck Haise’s men narrowly avoided a Coupe de France exit in disgrace against National 3 side Corte just before the winter break, requiring penalties to continue after a man down.
In their most recent league outing, Nice conceded two one-goal draws in a 2-2 draw with top-flight Montpellier.
On the other hand, Rennes are sitting in twelfth place in Ligue 1, only four points ahead of the relegation zone. The Breton club sacked the manager Julien Stephan at the start of the season, with Jorge Sampaoli now in charge.
Sampaoli has made it three wins in his first five games, including a 2-0 win over Bordeaux in the Coupe de France.
Team News
Nice will be without several key players due to injury, including top scorer Terem Moffi, midfielder Morgan Sanson, and veteran defender Dante.
Meanwhile, Rennes will be without Alidu Seidu, who is sidelined with an ACL injury.
Possible Lineups
Advantage: (4-3-3)
Bukula;
Claus, Rosario, Bombito, Bard;
Bouanani, Boudaoui, Ndombele;
Laborde, Guessand, Diop
Rennes: (3-4-3)
Mandana;
Hateboer, Ostigard, Truffert;
Assignon, James, Matusiwa, Nagida;
Blas, Gouiri, Kalimuendo
Given Nice’s impressive home form and Rennes’ struggling on the road, the hosts are expected to win this game. Expect a tight, open game, when Nice come out.
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