There are only 9 matches to go before the L1 2016/17 delivers its final verdict. 9 battles to successfully negotiate in order to finish this tough season on a high. In order to do so, the Gym needs to remain unbeatable at the Allianz, where they have not lost in the league for over a year, whilst also trying to secure victories away too. Here is the epilogue because, Lucien Favre’s side will travel more than it plays at home (5 trips away, 4 at home). Including games at several historically tough grounds. This is what awaits the Aiglons away from home.

Nantes – Nice, 30th match, Saturday 18 March, 5pm

The first stop for the Red and Blacks will be the Beaujoire. The lair of FC Nantes that has been turned into a fortress and always proves a complicated ground in which to secure victories. A stadium at which, during their push for Europe last season, the Aiglons were beaten in the third from last game of the season (1-0).

One year later, Dante, Seri, Balotelli and co. will need to take inspiration from their first match against the Canaries this season (4-1 victory on 30 October). Even if two of the key players from that game (Plea and Cyprien) will be absent until the end of the season…
 

Lille – Nice, 32nd match, weekend of 8 April

Following the international break and after the visit of Bordeaux, the fixture list takes the men from the Côte d’Azur to the north of the country. A trip to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, where LOSC will be waiting for them as they currently rebuild their side (currently in 14th place in L1).

Even though the club has seen several changes since their first meeting this season (in terms of management, on the bench and amongst the players), the Gym will expect a tough encounter, as it was earlier in the season when the sides drew 1-1.
 

Toulouse – Nice, 34th match, weekend of 22 April

Although the finish line is in sight, the trip to the Stadium would appear to represent the final sprint. The moment in which they will need to deploy their wings to hold on and accelerate.

The first of the last five matches of the season will be between Toulouse – Nice. Against Toulouse, the Gym face a ‘giant killer’, who have already beaten Monaco (3-1) and Paris (2-0) at home this season. Two performances which prepare the way for a promising yet dangerous clash.
 

Marseille – Nice, 36th match, weekend of 6 May

The penultimate trip, and it’s one that needs no building-up. 3 games before the end of the season and after the visit of Paris, Nice will travel to the Vélodrome to face the OM, its dear neighbour, against whom, nothing is ever ordinary.

Back into the top 5 of L1, the Phocéens are currently battling to secure a place in Europe. Which also happens to be the case for the Niçois. There will therefore be a lot at stake, with a scorching atmosphere waiting for them.

Lyon – Nice, 38th match, Saturday 20 May at 8.45pm

Like last year, the Gym will finish its season away from home. Slight difference, the Aiglons will be up against a direct rival.

Even though it is still too soon to know where the two sides will be before this final test (for the moment, Nice have a 13 point lead on Lyon, who have a game in hand), one thing is sure: this final game will be an interesting one. As it was for the fixture last year, when the Red and Blacks held on to a 1-1 draw.

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