Match Preview: Nice vs. Rangers
Sports Mole brings you an in-depth look at the Europa League clash as Nice take on Rangers on Thursday evening at the Allianz Riviera Stadium for matchday five of the 2024-25 campaign.
As Nice look to secure their first win of the group stage, they host Rangers who currently find themselves in a tight battle for qualification. Nice, placed 10th in the group with just two points, are desperate to improve their ranking while Rangers sit slightly better with seven points from four matches.
Season Overview
Nice’s season has been marked by ups and downs. Domestically, they are having a decent run, placing fifth in Ligue 1 with only two defeats in 12 matches. However, their European journey has been complicated, marked by inconsistency, as they find themselves in 31st place in the Europa League, with only two points accumulated in four matches, following a disappointing start which saw them win only two victories in their first eleven outings in all competitions.
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However, their recent form is showing signs of revival, as Franck Haise’s men have recorded three wins and two draws in their last five matches, propelling them to fifth place in Ligue 1 with a total of 20 points. Yet their struggles in Europe remain evident, having failed to secure victory, underscoring the urgency for immediate improvement—especially with just four matches remaining to change their fortunes.
Rangers, currently reflecting on a mixed record of their results, come into this match ranked 10th, having won two matches, drawn one and lost one of their Europa League clashes. A heavy 4-1 defeat to Lyon was a blow to their campaign, but overall they boast an impressive record of 12 wins and four draws from 21 matches in all competitions.
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Under the leadership of Philippe Clement, who has been in charge since October 2023, the pressure is mounting as they trail Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic by 11 points and Aberdeen by eight points. having not yet found their rhythm outside. Their away record shows just one win in five league outings, although they have performed relatively well in their European encounters, with one win and one draw in two matches.
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Injury Info and Team Selection
For this match, Nice will likely be without several key players, including Jonathan Clauss, Ali Abdi, Antoine Mendy, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Morgan Sanson and Terem Moffi, all injured. Additionally, Sofiane Diop and Moise Bombito will not be available due to suspensions. Fresh from a 2-1 win over Strasbourg, coach Haise could field a similar line-up to keep the momentum going.
On the other hand, the Rangers will be without Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence and Oscar Cortes, although the latter trio is expected to return soon. Despite their previous draw against Dundee United, where they dominated possession, manager Clement is likely to stick with a similar squad that has shown strength in their last few performances.
Project Alignments
Possible Starting XI for Nice: Bulk; Louchet, Dante, Nightingale, Bard; Cho, Boudaoui, Rosario, Boga; Guessand, Laborde.
Possible Rangers Starting Lineup: Butland; Sterling, Souttar, Propper, Jefte; Raskin, Barron; Cerny, Diomande, Bajramil Desserts.
Our Prediction: Nice 2-1 Rangers
Although Nice have struggled in European competition so far, they are benefiting from some recent domestic momentum that could lead them to a victory against a Rangers side who often struggle away from home. Friday night’s clash promises to be an exciting one, with both teams battling for points in this crucial match.
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