OGC Nice will welcome Stade de Reims to the Allianz Riviera on Sunday, as both squads could use all three points in the battle for European football next season.
Nonetheless, the two teams come into the match in different moods. Nice are coming off a 1-0 loss to FC Nantes; meanwhile, Reims secured a 2-1 win over RC Strasbourg Alsace last Friday.
Nice manager Francesco Farioli has been one of the major storylines this 2023-24 Ligue 1 season. The 34-year-old Italian has Les Aiglons in the thick of the league title race with Paris Saint-Germain. As a result, his side needs a win to keep pace with the Parisians after their first loss.
Farioli's team will lean on Dante's veteran leadership. The 40-year-old provides a calming presence in the face of adversity, considering the competition Nice face for the league title and the European spots for the 2024-25 season.
Meanwhile, Reims also have a young manager guiding them to new heights this season. The 31-year-old William Still has Reims knocking on the doorsteps of European football for next season.
Additionally, if Still and his squad can get an impressive road win against Nice, he could have the group thinking that UEFA Champions League football is a reality.
Reims have their own veteran defender to help provide leadership in Yunis Abdelhamid. The 36-year-old can keep the team grounded, knowing they are in unchartered territory, especially if they secure all three points against Nice.
If either of these teams wants to play Champions League football next season, it will be these head-to-head matchups where either club can take advantage as it appears to be a close race for the Ligue 1 title and European football this campaign.
