News Focus
- Star striker Elye Wahi misses the first leg due to a yellow card suspension
- Mohamed-Ali Cho is tipped to start as the central forward in Wahi’s absence
- Morgan Sanson should feature on the right side of the attack
- The return leg faces scheduling issues as it falls outside the FIFA international window
- The winner of the two-legged tie will secure a spot in next season’s Ligue 1
OGC Nice welcome AS Saint-Étienne this evening for the opening match of their Ligue 1 relegation playoff. The clash at the Allianz Riviera marks the first step in a two-legged battle to decide who earns the right to compete in France’s top flight next term.
The home team suffers a significant blow ahead of kick-off. Their main goal threat, Elye Wahi, is unavailable for selection. The 21-year-old received a booking during the goalless draw with FC Metz on the final day of the regular season. This caution triggers an automatic one-match ban.
Wahi will regain eligibility for the return fixture on Friday. However, manager Franck Haise must find a replacement for this crucial first leg. Reports suggest that Mohamed-Ali Cho will spearhead the attack. The young forward is set to play through the middle, while experienced midfielder Morgan Sanson occupies the right flank.
Uncertainty also hangs over the second leg. The fixture does not sit within the FIFA international calendar. The French Professional Football League (LFP) did not receive an exemption to prevent clubs from releasing players for national duty. This contrasts with the UEFA Champions League final, where organisers secured special permission.
According to L’Equipe, the probable OGC Nice starting eleven is: Yehvann Diouf; Kojo Peprah Oppong, Juma Bah, Antoine Mendy; Melvin Bard, Djibril Coulibaly, Hicham Boudaoui, Jonathan Clauss; Sofiane Diop, Mohamed-Ali Cho, Morgan Sanson.