As the new year begins, Nice and Rennes resume their Ligue 1 rivalry at the Allianz Riviera on Friday. The two sides have met in the first game of the calendar year for the past three seasons, with Rennes winning the last two meetings.
Nice, currently in sixth place, will aim to extend their unbeaten home record in the French top flight.
Frank Hayes’ side narrowly avoided a humiliating defeat in the Coupe de France just before the winter break when they faced three national side Corte, needing a penalty to advance after going one man down. Ta.
In their most recent league match, Nice twice surrendered one-goal leads and drew 2-2 with bottom-placed Montpellier.
Meanwhile, Rennes sit 12th in the Ligue 1 table, just four points clear of the relegation zone. Breton club sacks manager Julian Stephen At the beginning of the season, the team is currently coached by Jorge Sampaoli.
Sampaoli has won three of his first five games, including a 2-0 victory over Bordeaux in the Coupe de France.
team news
Nice will be without several key players through injury, including top scorer Terem Moffi, midfielder Morgan Sanson and veteran defender Dante.
Meanwhile, Rennes will be without Alidou Seydou, who is sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Possible lineup
Nice: (4-3-3)
Barca;
Klaus, Rosario, Bonbeat, Bard.
Bouanani, Budaoui, Ndombele.
Laborde, Gesand, Diop
Rennes: (3-4-3)
Mandanda.
Hateboer, Ostigard, Truffert.
Assignon, James, Matsuiwa, Nagida.
Brass, Goiri, Karim End
Given Nice’s impressive home side and Rennes’ struggles away, the hosts are expected to win this fixture. It is expected to be a close and open match, with Nice gaining the upper hand.
