BASTIA

Bastia did their best last round away at Nancy, but unfortunately their best was not good enough. It’s the same old problem when it comes to Bastia, they don’t have that many attacking resources, and are especially deficient when it comes to creating decent scoring opportunities.

It’s going to be even more difficult this round, seeing they will miss winger Saint Maximin who is suspended. He delivered 2 assists and scored 2 goals so far, but most importantly, he adds speed and vision to Bastia’s attacking phase. Topscorer Crivelli will also sit out and the chances for Bastia to find the net will diminish significantly.

Although they conceded more than 1 goal per game, Bastia strength is undoubtedly the defensive phase, as they can be very organized and also have a keeper capable of miracles.

Hosts will miss 3 central defenders Squillaci, El Kaoutari and Marange (only Marange is a new absence). The good news is that Bastia transferred-in central defender Rose and central midfielder Oniangue. Both of them are skilled players and most probably will be in the lineup this week.

NICE

It was a surprisingly balanced game between Nice and Metz last round. It seems that Nice couldn’t deal with the absences of Balotelli, Belhanda and Seri, all of them important players for the attacking phase. Coach Favre even changed system and gave fullbacks Dalbert and Ricardo more offensive tasks, but it wasn’t enough for Nice to clearly dominate, or at least to find the net (finished 0-0).

Forward Balotelli resumed training and should be in the lineup, but midfielders Seri and Belhanda continue to sit out.

Nice can’t make their usual game in midfield without Seri and Belhanda, they aren’t able to apply continuous pressure. Central midfielders Koziello and Cipryen are skilled players, but creating tunnels for forwards isn’t exactly one of their strong points.

In comparison to last round guests will miss defender Baysse and winger Ricardo, but welcome back forward Balotelli.

BETTING

This will be a difficult encounter for both sides, and not that entertaining for spectators. Nice aren’t exactly bursting with creativity nowadays, while Bastia always prefer to focus on the defensive phase (not to mention they are missing topscorer Crivelli and winger Saint Maximin). A 0-0 draw shouldn’t be ruled out.

Bastia: Leca, Vincensini – Cioni, Rose, Djiku, Bengtsson – Ab. Keita, Cahuzac, Mostefa, Oniangué, Danic, Sa. Diallo, Ngando, Triki, Magnetti – Nangis, Raspentino, Achaempong.

Nice: Pouplin, Benitez – Souquet, Burner, Dalbert, Dante, Sarr, Balmy – Lusamba, Walter, Cyprien, Koziello, Marcel, Mahou – Balotelli, Plea, Donis, Bosetti