Nice disappointed as they lost comfortably to St-Etienne in a game they would have wished for more, but will attempt to make amends by defeating new kids on the block, Troyes, who earned a plucky point at home to Rennes. In the other game Rennes, who were setback after failing to beat Troyes, will host Lyon who produced an excellent performance against Strasbourg in the opening round of Ligue 1.
Nice vs. Troyes
3-Way: 1: Nice -154; X: +330 Draw; 2: Troyes +726
Spread -1: Nice -108; Troyes +108
Total +2.5: Over -103; Under -103
Nice
Nice made a terrible start to the Ligue 1 as they conceded the only goal of the game on Saturday against Saint-Etienne after just 3 minutes and 5 seconds. The goal was easily put away by Jonathan Bamba after Nice failed to deal with a simple pass across the box from wide by Oussama Tannane.
Les Aiglons never managed to get a grasp of the game as they seemed unable to deal with St Etienne’s high-pressing game. Nice’s best chance of the game came from former St Etienne winger Valentin Eysseric who attempted to curl the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box, but was well-saved by former teammate Stephane Ruffier. Although Nice produced a poor performance, they can look forward to the return of Jean Michel Seri who was out injured in the last game and should instill a rhythm into Nice’s game.
OGC Nice has made some further additions since last weekend, making a marquee signing in the arrival of international superstar Wesley Sneijder who will add creativity to Nice’s midfield, which is evidently needed, and will add a dead-ball specialist to Nice’s arsenal. Other notable transfers since the weekend has been the acquisition of the 20-year-old attacking-midfielder Allan Saint-Maxim in from Monaco while left-back Dalbert Henrique has joined Inter Milan for around 20 million Euros.
Manager Bruno Génésio will have a full squad selection for Saturday`s game.
Troyes
Troyes will be satisfied to have registered a point against Rennes in their first game of the new season in Ligue 1. The newly promoted side were unlucky at times in the first half, including hitting the inside of the post after Adama Niane, who scored 23 goals in Ligue 2 last season, broke away after a Rennes defending mix-up. Troyes goal came from Samuel Grandsir immediately from the start of the 2nd half after the 20-year-old winger found a kink in Rennes defense, ending up one-on-one after racing through with direct dribbling and slotting it home with a low side-foot finish. Rennes did, however, return with a goal as the Troyes defense failed to pick up substitute Jordan Tell as he converted a squared pass.
Troyes gave us a glimpse of how their team will be set out for the Ligue 1 campaign, judging by their lowly 37% possession, while still managing to threaten with pacey counter-attacks which proved troublesome for their opponents.
Thierry Laurey will have a full squad selection.
Nice vs. Troyes – MATCH PREDICTION
Despite a poor start I would expect Nice to recover against Troyes, who by all accounts will be relegated this season. The new signing of Wesley Sneijder may reinvigorate the Nice players, as will the return of Seri, and we will see them playing a more free-flowing attacking game. Furthermore, I believe that Troyes defense is yet to be tested and may be undone against better opposition.
For those reasons I would go for a Nice win by a clear margin.
MY PICK: Nice AH -1 (-108)
Rennes vs. Lyon
3-Way: 1: Rennes +300; X: +275 Draw; 2: Lyon +102
Spread +0.5: Rennes -105; Lyon +100
Total +2.5: Over -133; Under +125
Rennes
Stade Rennais will have been disappointed to draw to their opponents who only obtained Ligue 1 status last season, but will also be bitter that they couldn’t convert a lion-share of 63% possession, along with a total of 16 shots, into a win.
However, Rennes efforts did create a goal, scored by substitute Jordan Tell who was well assisted by teammate forward Ndombe Mubele after sharp forward play. Manager Christian Gourcuff will demand more of his team’s attack as a repeat of last season’s measly 36 goals could spell trouble for his side.
To excuse themselves Rennes may point to their injury table, which included one of last season key players Yoann Gourcuff, who scored 4 goals and made 3 assists last season; although he should make a comeback against Lyon. Although, perhaps Rennes have placed too much pressure on their two new biggest signings, attacking players Sarr and Maouassa who are aged just 19 and 18 respectively; saying that they did show glimpses of their potential.
Christian Gourcuff, who coincidentally is Yoann Gourcuff’s father, will have a full squad selection for Friday`s game.
Lyon
New signing Mariano Diaz impressed as Lyon rolled-over the 2016-17 Ligue 2 champions Strasbourg with 4:0. Mariano opened the scoring by steering a well-struck shot from 20 yards in the bottom-left corner of the goal. The Dominican added a second after capitalizing on a defensive howler, Yoann Salmier accidentally striking the ball against his own team met to release the Lyon striker towards the goal. Lyon’s two other goals came from Nabil Fekir by means of a controversial penalty and a goal that shared resemblance to Mariano’s first.
Manager Bruno Génésio will be encouraged by what he has seen from his team, especially by witnessing the birth of Lyon’s new prolific striking partnership of Mariano Diaz and Nabil Fekir which will make-up for the loss of Alexandre Lacazette. Rennes, however, will be a different test to Strasbourg and it will be interesting to see if Lyon can replicate their great performance.
Over the last 10 days, centre-back Nicolas N’Koulou has been sent out on loan to Torino after making just 13 Ligue 2 appearances last season, while promising young centre-back Emanuel Mammana was signed by Zenit St-Petersburg for a fee of 16 million Euros. Both departures may suggest that a new addition to Lyon’s defense will be made in the coming weeks.
Bruno Génésio will have a full squad selection other than Christopher Martins Pereira who is out with a Meniscus injury.
Rennes vs. Lyon – MATCH PREDICTION
Rennes achieved a poor draw in their first game in the Ligue 1 and it is difficult to see them getting a result against a Lyon side who produced such an excellent first-game performance. Also expect Mariano Diaz to cause a host of problems for the home-side.
Rennes will eventually win but will have to wait a little longer, as Lyon looks like a strong force for the coming season. I would recommend placing a bet on Lyon to win.
MY PICK: Lyon to win (+102)
