Nice vs Monaco 09.09.2017/ France
They firstly lost in the season opener against St Etienne on the road, than have suffered defeat at home against Troyes, while the side got completely outplayed in previous round when they lost to mediocre Amiens with a 3:0 result before the international break. True, they had much more of the ball possession, but weren't moving the ball well and weren't that threatening at all, in comparison to the home team which simply knew always what they wanted taking the double lead first halftime via Kakuta and Konate, while the second one sealed their victory in 88th minute. The team is now tied up with play-out placed Amiens and need to react drastically better as soon as possible.
Defender Dante (4/0) is suspended for this one, while midfielder Wylan Cyprien remains long term absentee with a broken leg. Forwards Mario Balotelli (1/0), Mickael Le Bihan (no performance so far) and defender Malang Sarr (3/0) are doubtful for this one due different reasons and with little chances to get involved in the match.
Monaco, on the other side, is having very well results so far in the season and something that is maybe a bit surprising - the team looks really effective for now. Their season has started with a defeat against PSG in the French Super Cup game, but the side has only victories since then. They firstly won over Toulouse at home, but also on the road against Dijon and Metz, while the latest victim in Ligue 1 was Marseille two weekends ago.
Players of Monaco showed all of their potential, especially in attack as they managed to record 6:1 victory. Glik opened up the opponent with a goal in second minute, while Falcao netted two more, in 20th and 34th minute, while Diakhaby scored once again till the halftime. They were completely dominant, not even needing a lot of ball possession to find opponents net, as they scored two more in the second halftime - via Sidibe and Fabinho, all the visitors were able is to score once, in 74th via Cabella. Monaco is now sharing the leading position with PSG and they surely are the only opponent in the title race. During the international break they won over Nimes 4:1 in a friendly game.
Only absentee for the visiting side could be midfielder Gabriel Boschilia who is slowly recovering from knee injury and might not be risked in this one.
Having in mind what we saw from these two teams till now in the season, it's really hard to see anything but Monaco's victory here. Away team has their good form, has momentum and surely more quality individuals in their side.
