Opponent, context, competition : just two days before the visit of Montpellier (kick-off 8.45pm), Lucien Favre answered questions from the press after the morning training session. Here are three of the key talking points.

Coach, what do you make of this Montpellier side?
We have seen that they have found some bite again. They have brought in quite a few new players since we played there. Mbenza, Dolly, Sessegnon, Pokorny... that changes the side and they can play several different systems at the same time. They go from a 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1, sometimes a 4-3-3 with a diamond, Boudebouz goes out right and lets Mbenza and Mounié play further forward. On the left, they’ve got Sessegnon or Lasne. They have found their balance and it works very well. They just beat Bastia (2-1), they lost against Monaco (1-2) - but only just, they beat Nancy (3-0) and again against St-Etienne (2-1). They’re a team who have undoubtedly got some very good players. Including Hilton, who I know well from our time at Servette…

Without Alassane Plea and Mario Balotelli, are you tempted to throw Tassos Donis a chance ?
We will see, I can’t tell you my starting line-up two days before the game. We are still working on it.

What can you tell us about the Greek youth international?
When I got to Nice, he was already on the books. He is a young player and belongs to Juventus.  For a forward, he has potential, it takes time though, which is normal. But we are happy with him. He plays well pushing forward and is dangerous in certain situations, particularly at the break-down. He has shown this in the games he has played. He is more of a centre forward than a winger, but he can also play on the wing in a 4-3-3. He works hard and prepares well.

Would winning on Friday put the pressure on your rivals?
No. Of course we want to win all our games, but it isn’t always possible. We will take on Montpellier, then we have a match 8 days later, and that’s all. We won’t look any further than that, that’s already more than enough.  We need to focus on our own game each weekend. And fully on this match because it will be difficult on Friday.

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