Thursday, Nice receives Bayer Leverkusen on behalf of the 5th day of the group stages of the Europa League. Nice is already practically eliminated while Bayer Leverkusen fights for the leading position.
Despite the great promises made in recent months thanks to the arrival of new shareholders and interesting recruitment, OGC Nice is proving to be very disappointing on the European scene. Indeed, the Aiglons could only take 3 points in this group, obtained during the 2nd day against Hapoel Beer Sheva (1-0). Otherwise, they were heavily defeated by Bayer Leverkusen (2-6) and Slavia Prague (3-1 and 1-3), which had the consequence of putting an end to the qualifying hopes of the Azureans. In the league, the Niçois are not at their best either. Since their last victory at Angers (0-3), they lost the derby against Monaco (1-2) and then Sunday against the Dijon red lantern (1-3). This last defeat greatly weakened the coach, Patrick Vieira.
Opposite, Bayer Leverkusen is in 2nd position in this pool, tied on points with the leader, Slavia Prague. The fault, in particular, to his defeat conceded during the second day against the Czechs (1-0). Otherwise, Peter Bosz’s men were full in this group by winning quite easily against Nice (6-2) than against Hapoel Beer Sheva twice (2-4 and 4-1). In the Bundesliga, they are also showing themselves to be at ease. Unbeaten during the first 9 days, they are on the 3rd step of the podium with 3 points behind the Munich leader and failed to make a close this weekend by sharing the points against Hertha Berlin (0-0).
Obviously, Nice has found it very difficult to compose since the loss of its captain Dante who will be blocked in the infirmary for several more months. In addition, goalscorer Dolberg, left-back Kamara and his right-wing counterpart Youcef Atal are all out of shape. Much used lately, Gouiri could be preserved for this part.
Leverkusen will travel to the Côte d’Azur without the important Sven Bender, Aranguiz, Palacios, Arias and Paulinho, injured, and without the titular defender Tapsoba, positive for Covid. In attack, the very good Alario (7 goals in the league), left to rest last weekend, Bailey and Schick all apply for a starting place.
Nice: Benitez – Lotomba, Bambu, Nsoki, Pelmard – Reine-Adelaïde, Thuram, Lees-Melou – Rony Lopes, Maolida, Claude-Maurice.
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky – Bender, Tah, Dragovic, Singkraven – Wirtz, Baumgartlinger, Demirbay – Bailey, Alario, Diaby.
Coaches have the possibility of making 5 substitutions during the game.
This meeting will be played behind closed doors.
Too disappointing in this competition, Nice could experience the 4th setback in this pool against a very good team from Leverkusen. Bayer Leverkusen victory!
Betting Tips: Bayer Leverkusen
Odds: 1.60
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