Following a disappointing home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, OGC Nice will be looking to bounce back as they travel to Stade Auguste-Delaune this Saturday for the 18th matchday of Ligue 1. The Aiglons are determined to return to winning ways and regain momentum in the first half of the season.
For this away fixture, Nice will travel with key players including Ivorian midfielder Jean Michael Seri and French-Senegalese defender Benjamin Mendy. Both have been instrumental in the club’s recent performances, offering stability and creativity in midfield and defense, respectively. Seri’s vision and passing range will be critical in controlling the tempo of the game, while Mendy’s athleticism and defensive positioning will be vital in containing Reims’ attacking threats.
Adding more experience and flair to the squad is Hatem Ben Arfa, whose technical skills and ability to unlock defenses make him a constant threat in the final third. Ben Arfa, alongside forwards like Alassane Pléa and Anthony Mounier, provides Nice with a dynamic attacking option capable of breaking through Reims’ defensive lines.
The full Nice squad for the Reims fixture has been announced: Hassen, Cardinale – Baysse, Le Marchand, Bodmer, Genevois, Pied, Boscagli, Correia – Seri, Vercauteren, Wallyson, Dada, N. Mendy, Koziello – Ben Arfa, A. Mendy, Germain, P. Puel. This group represents a blend of experience and youth, aiming to combine tactical discipline with attacking creativity to secure all three points.
After a challenging encounter against PSG, the team will need to maintain focus, minimize errors, and exploit any weaknesses in the Reims lineup. Nice’s coach has emphasized the importance of concentration and teamwork, noting that a disciplined approach and efficient transitions from defense to attack will be crucial to gaining an edge in this match.
Reims, known for their resilience and physical approach, will not make it easy for the visitors. Nice must be prepared for a competitive battle in the middle of the park while leveraging the technical quality of players like Seri and Ben Arfa to create scoring opportunities.
This match provides an important opportunity for Nice to regain confidence, improve their league standing, and start a positive run ahead of the winter break. Fans will be eager to see the Aiglons respond after their recent setback, and the squad is determined to make a statement with a strong performance at Reims.