Derby watch: OGC Nice vs Olympique de Marseille
Fri, Aug 26.22
Anyone who remembers last season's Derby de la Mediterranée drama will be eager to see what is in store when the two teams meet in Nice on Sunday night.
Olympique de Marseille Manager Igor Tudor will be hoping new signing Alexis Sanchez can have a big impact to keep the pressure on PSG at the top.
It's been a solid start for Tudor in the south of France with two wins and a draw to open the season. A good start is always imporatant in Marseille and a win the derby will really get him onside with the fans. The former Croatia and Juventus centre-back only took the reins in July, replacing Jorge Sampaoli.
It's still crazy to think about the crazy pitch invasion in the same fixture last season. A moment a red hot Sampaoli looked ready to take on anyone in his path. Tension spilled completely overboard when his assistant hit a Nice fan during the melee. Absolute carnage.
Fans will be keeping a keen eye on Alexis Sanchez and whether he can rise to the occasion and open his goalscoring account for Les Phocéens. He came close last time out with a quality assist already to his name.
"He really wants to give it his all, and is a serious professional. That has a positive influence on the team." - Igor Tudor.
Things haven't been as rosy for Nice so far this season. Returning manager, Lucien Favre, has bemoaned the fact some of his players can't play his system. It's clear time is going to be needed if he can take the team forward this season.
One big boost for Nice is the fact that Nicholas Pepe has just signed for the club from Arsenal on loan. If he can find the form that lit up Ligue 1 only a few seasons ago - the Allianz Riviera will be in for a treat.
The side has a distinct Premier League feel to it now with Kasper Schmeichel and Aaron Ramsey also recent additions.
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