Nice V Marseille - Let's try again

Nice V Marseille - Kicks off at 20:00 - Live on BT Sport ESPN

Here we have the replayed match that was abandoned at the Allianz Arena back in August due to crowd trouble. This is a game in hand for both sides and could push either team up to second place if they win. Nice sit in third with Marseille just one place and point below them. The game will be at the neutral venue of the Stade De L'Aube, coincidentally where Nice lost unexpectedly recently. The crowd trouble this season in Ligue 1 seems unprecedented. Nice and Lens have already had to play some home games behind closed doors whilst we've seen trouble from Lille, Marseille, Angers and Saint-Étienne fans. It's as if a season of not being able to go to matches has sent people crazy. How much is down to general issues in French society is difficult to say. Ligue 1 has to get on top of this though. There has to be better policing at grounds and stewards have to stop fans getting in to grounds with flares. French Clubs have generally done well in European competition this season but if the issues persist we will see these teams incur large fines or ultimately be banned from European competition. It's difficult enough for French Clubs to attract and keep hold of quality players. If there is any kind of European ban or if the violence continues the talent will go elsewhere. What player wants to be protected by a riot shield whilst taking a corner?

Nice are coming off a tremendous result at home to Lyon. Les Aiglons came from 2-0 down to win win 3-2 in stoppage time. Three goals in twelve minutes sank an in form Lyon team with goals from Youcef Atal, Andy Delort and Evann Guessand. A fantastic result that keeps Nice on course for European qualification. Christophe Galtier has taken little time to stamp his own ideas on his new side. Les Nicois have completely bought into Galtier's philosophy of a, usually, solid defense and the ability to break very quickly. The ex Lille Manager was born and bred in Marseille and having played for the club in the 90's he will have his side well prepared for this game.

In the abandoned match Nice were winning 1-0 with 75 minutes when the game was stopped with a goal from Kasper Dolberg. Marseille looked the more likely to score for large parts of the match which was very close and is likely to be again here. Both sides have a lot of attacking quality. Les Nicois have three quality strikers in Amine Gouiri (5 goals 3 assist, Andy Delort (5 goals 2 assists) and Kasper Dolberg who has 4 goals despite missing several games through injury this season. Galtier started with all three against Lyon with Gouiri starting wide on the left in place of the injured Calvin Stengs. The Dutch winger is a doubt for this match too with a thigh injury so web could see the trio of strikers start again here. Youcef Atal (pictured) was influential when he came on against Lyon so we could see him start on the right wing instead of Boudaoui.

Whoever plays Nice will be confident of causing Marseille problems.

Marseille had a decent result at the weekend too holding PSG to a 0-0 draw. Although L'OM became just the second team in Ligue 1 to win points against Paris they may feel they should have won. PSG were down to ten men from the 57th minute when Hakimi was sent off for a challenge on Cengiz Ünder. Les Marseillais had lots of chances but nothing clear cut which Manager Jorge Sampaoli will see as a missed opportunity.

Had Marseille won that game and gone on to beat Nice they'd have climbed to second in the league and reduced the deficit with Paris to just four points. This is another tough game with Marseille's all out attack coming up against a decent defensive unit. The neutral venue favours Marseille however as the original match was Nice's home game. Marseille are without a win in their last seven matches but draws with PSG and Lazio were not bad results. In that time they have had four unusual clean sheets and had some good individual performances. We have seen the emergence of new Goalkeeper Pau Lopez. The 26 year old Spaniard is known for being good with his feet but otherwise not great. He has put in a string of good performances though in recent weeks that has helped the improved defensive record. Defender William Saliba and midfielder Mattéo Guendouzi, both on loan from Arsenal, have also performed well. Saliba showing his class on the ball but also some excellent last ditch defending and Guendouzi with high energy, interceptions and a couple of goals.

This is a huge match for both sides. Whilst a draw isn't a disaster for either side both really need a win to keep in touch with Paris.

French Footy Prediction: Nice 2 V Marseille 2