Nice vs Auxerre Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Nice have endured a very difficult start to the campaign across all competitions as they take on a steady Auxerre down on the south coast at the Allianz Riviera this weekend.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1 pass / US – beIN Sports Connect
Nice preview: Off-field neglect
INEOS have made it clear that they aren’t that interested in owning Nice anymore now that they have control of the football side of things at Manchester United, and the southerners have endured a summer to reflect that neglect.
In their opening couple of competitive games, Nice suffered a couple of 2-0 defeats to Benfica in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League and Franck Haise’s side followed that up with a 1-0 loss at home to Toulouse in Ligue 1 last weekend.
Auxerre preview: Steady Auxerre
Auxerre were very impressive last season, following their promotion back to the top-flight, as they eased themselves clear of the bottom three and the danger zone. They will, though, be keen on ensuring they avoid their second season syndrome.
They made a good start to avoid that possibility with a slender 1-0 defeat of newly-promoted Lorient at Stade de l’Abbe Deschamps on the opening day of the campaign, courtesy of a 53rd minute strike scored by Lassine Sinayoko.
Nice team news: A few issues
Nice are dealing with several injury issues at the moment with key men such as Mohamed Abdelmonem and Youssouf Ndayishimiye sidelined for the southerners.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Diouf; Mendy, Juma Bah, Peprah Oppong; Clauss, Boudaoui, Louchet, Bard; Bouanani, Jansson; Moffi
Unavailable: Abdelmonem (Injured), Ndayishimiye (Injured), Sanson (Injured), Ndombele (Injured)
Questionable: Dante (Injured), Cho (Injured)
Auxerre team news: El Azzouzi a doubt
Having joined from Bologna earlier this summer, Oussama El Azzouzi is now an injury doubt for Auxerre, with fellow midfielder Nathan Buayi-Kiala a confirmed absentee.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Leon; Osho, Francisco Sierralta, Akpa; Senaya, Owusu, Danois, Mensah; Casimir, Sinayoko, Osman
Unavailable: Buayi-Kiala (Injured)
Questionable: El Azzouzi (Injured)
Nice vs Auxerre prediction
Nice appear to be in a bit of a crisis at the moment with Sir Jim Ratcliffe keen on selling the club and the squad looking diminished even for a full Ligue 1 season, let alone with UEFA Europa League football coming up. Auxerre have started as well as they left off last season and they will head down to the Allianz Riviera with a bit of confidence, and siding with them may well be a good value bet for this weekend.
Nice vs Auxerre tip: Double chance – Auxerre to win or draw
