As Nice prepares to face Go Ahead Eagles at Allianz Riviera, both teams aim to improve their current standings in the Europa League. This Thursday night clash marks an important encounter in the group phase of the competition.
Match Preview: Nice vs Go Ahead Eagles
Nice has struggled recently, suffering heavy defeats in Ligue 1. In their latest outing, they faced a devastating 5-1 loss against Toulouse. This result has left them with no points after the first six matches in the Europa League, placing them deep in last place among the 36 teams.
Their recent performances have been disappointing, having lost against Braga, Freiburg, and Roma at home. This upcoming match against Go Ahead Eagles represents a crucial opportunity for Nice to regain form.
Go Ahead Eagles’ Recent Form
On the other hand, Go Ahead Eagles have shown resilience by extending their unbeaten streak to five matches, culminating in successful penalty shootouts that secured their spot in the KNVB Cup quarter-finals. They salvaged a draw last week against Ajax, thanks to efforts from Milan Smit and Thibo Baeten, which showcased their fighting spirit.
However, Go Ahead Eagles find themselves precariously positioned, sitting at 28th in the Europa League rankings. They currently have six points, just one behind Celtic. Despite a notable victory against Aston Villa in October, the team has consistently struggled in European competitions.
Key Players to Watch
- Mathis Suray: A prominent goal scorer in the Eredivisie, but has found it challenging to replicate this form in the Europa League, netting only once in six matches.
- Sofiane Diop: Currently recovering from an ankle injury, Diop’s absence may affect Nice’s attacking options.
Team News
Nice will be without centre-back Antoine Mendy, who is suspended due to accumulating yellow cards. The team also faces injury challenges, with key defender Dante sidelined and forward Sofiane Diop in recovery.
Go Ahead Eagles will miss Gerrit Nauber, who has been out since October, while Robbin Weijenberg is out for the season due to a knee injury.
Expected Lineups
| Nice | Go Ahead Eagles |
|---|---|
| Dupe | De Busser |
| Gouveia | Deiji |
| Oppong | Meulensteen |
| Bard | Kramer |
| Abdi | Adelgaard |
| Louchet | Goudmijn |
| Samed | Linthorst |
| Ndombele | Slory |
| Cho | Bruem |
| Carlos | Suray |
| Jansson | Smit |
Prediction
Considering Nice’s struggles in the current competition, Go Ahead Eagles may take advantage of their opponent’s difficulties. A predicted scoreline of Nice 1, Go Ahead Eagles 2 seems plausible, given the circumstances leading into this match.
