Marseille – Nice PREVIEW

Both teams have qualified in the 1/16 finals with identic wins. Marseille beat Reims 2-0 at home (both goals scored in extra-time), while Nice was better against Nantes away 0-2. It’s hard to believe that Marseille could win the title in Ligue 1 this season. They have already finished their participation in Champions League. Last week Lyon beat them in League Cup 2-1, so this competiton is the only hope for them to save this season. Marseille’s coach Jose Anigo has announced that they want the win the Cup and they will go for a win tonight. Btw, Marseille won this trophy last time in 1989. Attacker Ayew (10/2) is the only absence for Marseille. Nice’s recent form is pretty good. In their last 7 matches they won 5 times. They have played 3 days ago in Ligue 1 and beat Ajaccio 2-0, so maybe players will be a little tired. Nice have few absences: defender Pejcinovic (12/1), midfielders Eysseric (15/1), Bodmer (13/0), Pied (11/1) and Traoré (7/0) and attacker Bauthéac (12/4) are all out. Marseille didn’t play on Saturday match against Valenciennes in Ligue 1 because of terrible pitch after rain, so players had more time than Nice to take a rest and prepare for this match. Marseille is a favorite to win this match, they have an advantage of home field and will be motivated to win and go through. Maybe they can do it, but I can’t underestimate Nice which play very good and I expect from them to score tonight.