BASTIA – NICE PREDICTION (20.01.2017)

Bastia and Nice will meet Friday, January 20, in a match of the round number 21 of Ligue 1.

SC Bastia (17th place)

Corsicans have complicated the situation in the rankings after defeat last round on the ground in Nancy (0-1), presenting the Friday night before the duel with the same number of points as Angers, the first team under the red line.

Checked in the end of 2016 victories (2-0 and 2-1 vs. Rennes vs. Metz) seem very surprising considering that the band prepared by Francois Ciccolini has accounted in the current season only 5 wins, 5 draws and no more than 10 defeats. However, it is not insignificant that Bastia was not just a band pushovers during the current edition, losing only twice a greater difference of one goal (0-2 in debut season vs. Caen and 0- May incredible offensive against Monaco).

Bastia is a hard nut, despite their positions in the rankings. It manages to mobilize copy in almost all matches with good teams and, as a closer on the defensive phase, definitely would remove the hot zone of the league.

OGC Nice (2nd)

The band made the wrong step of Favre in the previous stage (0-0 at home against Metz) recorded the first loss position over rivals AS Monaco. The two have the same number of points but are separated by goal difference.

Nice big revelation was not only French football, but also a European one. Starting with a rate of 151 Unibet ultimate trophy in Ligue 1, the band of the Ivory Coast had a fantastic tour, managed to step into the new year from the position of ‘autumn champions’. However, the recent past show a slight decline, Cyprien & co. leaving the French Cup (1-2 vs. Lorient) and the French League Cup (2-3 v Bordeaux), while championship checked one win quite tormented in front of Dijon (2-1) and not less than three draws, including two white (both 0-0 in the match against Bordeaux, and in the mentioned above).

Despite weaker form, we must not overlook the fact that Nice is unbeaten in eight championship matches. Moreover, it lost only one Ligue 1 game in the current edition. It is expected that those who will enter Friday night on the ground to do everything possible not to lose contact with AS Monaco and maintain a distance of 3 points separating the PSG.

Direct Meetings

Bastia already in trouble in Nice in the current campaign, the two having drawn the first leg (1-1) on “Allianz Riviera”.

The hosts will not be based on Florian Marange, Sebastien Squillaci, Enzo Crivelli (injured) and Saint-Maximin (suspended). Also, no El Kaoutari and Lassana Coulibaly are not available, the two were present at the African Cup.

The situation is also complicated camp guests. Valentin Eysseric, Yoan Cardinale, Paul Bays, Ricardo Pereira and Mouez Hassen experiencing medical problems and will miss meeting the girl while Boscagli Olivier Gautier Lloris, Younes Belhanda and Remi Walter are uncertain. In addition, Jean Michael Seri left in the competition is taking place these days on African soil. The only good news for Favre is that Balotelli served his suspension period is expected to begin in the first minute dispute that opens the 21st stage.

Bastia (4-3-3): Leca – Keita, Bengtsson, Djiku, Cioni – Danic, Mostefai, Cahuzac – Ngando, Nangis, Diallo

Nice (3-5-2): Benitez – Marchand, Dante, Sarr – Souquet, Koziello, Cyprien, Walter, Dalbert – Plea, Balotelli