Nice Probes Lille Fortress in Ligue 1 Clash
Published April 7, 2017 by Florin P
All hands on deck for Nice as they struggle with absentees, but need at least one point in Lille (7:45 p.m UK Time).
PSG and Monaco are credited with the first chance to win their Ligue 1 matches this weekend. This adds a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Nice players, who are compelled to win at least one point in northern France. Lille is a force to be reckoned with when it has home pitch advantage, despite their lack of effectiveness up from. A potentially low-scoring affair between the two teams, this match can decide the podium in the French championship.
Key Players Missing for Nice
Under normal circumstances, the visitors would be slight favorites to win despite playing on the road. However, with Plea doubtful ahead of this fixture, they start with the second chance. The gifted striker will miss from the starting formation and even if he starts, he is unlikely to play for 90 minutes. The best case scenario is for him to perform in one half, which should still be enough for scoring a goal.
Nice has plenty of other options up front and Italian striker Balotelli is once again firing on all cylinders. While they regarded on the most talented young forwards European football, it spent a lot of time in the spotlight. The inability to focus and his extravagant lifestyle have cost him dearly but at least now he plays a full potential. Even with a single striker, Nice should be a real threat to Lille.
Narrow Margin Victories and Defeats
Lille has won or lost the last 12 games by a single goal and several matches ended undecided. They know how to defend narrow leagues but have committed plenty of defensive errors recently. Precious points were lost in this manner and this is a huge problem when they play against Balotelli. Punters should side with the visitors on this one and take the odds of 3/5 offered by bet365 Sports on Nice not to lose.
