Ahead of Les Parisiens’ clash with OGC Nice at 20:45 CET on Sunday (Matchday 7 of Ligue 1) at the Allianz Riviera, let’s take a closer look at the capital club’s next fixture. Whether it’s through both teams’ league positions, their current form or their players to watch, here’s an overview of what awaits Les Rouge et Bleu against Les Niçois.
A look at the league table
After a slow start to the season with just 1 point from two matches against opponents that seemed within their reach (Auxerre, then Toulouse), Nice have managed to raise their level in recent weeks to kick start their 2024-2025 campaign. Beyond their historic victory against AS Saint-Étienne two weeks ago (8-0), OGCN also held their ground against Real Sociedad in the Europa League (1-1), secured a valuable point at Lens (0-0), but fell to Lazio Rome this week (4-1). With 8 points from 6 matches played, Les Aiglons sit in mid-table in 9th place.
As for Paris Saint-Germain, they are having an ideal start to the season on the domestic front. Despite their first loss of the season this week against Arsenal (2-0), Les Rouge et Bleu remain unbeaten in Ligue 1 with 5 wins and 1 draw in 6 matches. Their most recent victory came last week against Rennes at the Parc des Princes (3-1). With 16 points, Luis Enrique’s men top the Ligue 1 standings, ahead of Monaco thanks to a better goal difference.
THE two teams' current FORM IN NUMBERS
THE OPPOSITION'S STRENGTHS
Franck Haise and his team mainly operate with one formation: a 3-4-3. In goal, the Polish international and former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Marcin Bulka retains his status as the number one, having established himself over the past two years as one of the best players in the league in his position. In front of him is the emblematic captain, Dante, who will celebrate his 41st birthday this month. Alongside him, Canadian international Moïse Bombito has impressed the Nice coaching staff, as has the solid Youssouf Ndayishimiye, who has now been moved a step back in the formation, preferred over Egyptian international Mohamed Abdelmonem.
At right wing-back, French international Jonathan Clauss has quickly demonstrated his qualities since arriving in Nice last summer and is expected to be chosen over Antoine Mendy or the versatile Ali Abdi, who can also play on the opposite side. The Tunisian international is actually favoured to start on the left flank, especially with Melvin Bard absent due to a knee injury. In midfield, Dutch international Pablo Rosario has become an essential cog in Franck Haise’s system, while his partner in the centre of the pitch remains undecided. Algerian international Hicham Boudaoui is a reliable option, but the talent of former Lyon player Tanguy Ndombélé is undeniable.
Competition is expected to be fierce for a spot left vacant by Morgan Sanson, who is still unavailable due to an ankle injury. In attack, Les Niçois have plenty of quality. Starting with the young talents Tom Louchet (21 years old) and Badredine Bouanani (19 years old) on the right wing. The latter is expected to start on Sunday evening, although the return of the explosive Mohamed-Ali Cho could shake things up. As for the centre-forward position, Les Aiglons still have to cope without their star striker Terem Moffi, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear.
However, it’s safe to say that Evann Guessand has stepped up. With 3 goals and 1 assist in 6 Ligue 1 matches this season, the Ivorian international is in great form and might be preferred over young prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko, on loan from Borussia Dortmund, who has also tallied 2 goals and 1 assist in 3 matches in the league. Finally, on the left wing, OGC Nice suffers from another key absence with Gaëtan Laborde out due to a foot injury. As a result, the dynamic Jérémie Boga is expected to take over the position, with Sofiane Diop likely to make an appearance later in the match.
