Perhaps the 12th man is more scary than the 11 who will be on the lawn Thursday evening in this Partizan stadium. Reputed to be very hot, the Serbian public will push behind a team in difficulty at the start of the season. Only 7th in his championship, with already a change of coach since the start of the season, Partizan is still looking for itself. But is perhaps not very far from being found. Evidenced by these two recent successes 5-1 and 6-0, to which must be added this prolific draw at Slovacko last Thursday (3-3). Results that highlight the attacking potential of this team and its two scorers Fousseni Diabaté (doubled at Slovacko) and Ricardo Gomes (11 goals in 13 games). “It’s a team that scores a lot of goals, that has character. This team has great potential.,” confirms Lucien Favre. But apart from this doublet which has reason to worry the Nice rearguard, the rest of the squad seems a notch below the Aiglons.
Pépé and Laborde aligned together in attack?
Problem, the Gym is deprived of its top scorer for this meeting. Hit in the thigh, Andy Delort stayed in Nice. Like Ramsey (injured) and Barkley (not qualified). “We can play with a nine and a half or with Pépé yes, it is a possibility.” In contrast Lucien Favre finds Mario Lemina and Youcef Atal to bring some freshness to a team that is already playing the 11th game of its season. But will probably have to change the system again. Unless Pépé integrates the offensive doublet with Laborde, to leave the right side to Boudaoui, convincing in this role against Cologne (1-1) and Ajaccio (1-0). Lemina should find him the axis alongside Khephren Thuram, who was facing the press this Thursday evening. “I have one more season yes so more responsibility. I expect a very nice atmosphere in this stadium but it galvanizes me. When you’re little you dream of playing these matches, it makes you want to win away.”
The Gym more comfortable outdoors
And that’s good, the Gym has been more comfortable away from home since the start of the season with two successes in L1 in Lille and Ajaccio, against only one at home against Tel Aviv. The grass therefore seems greener away from the Allianz Riviera and the Aiglons would be well advised to take three points to aim for first place in the group, the only one that qualifies for the round of 16. 2nd place sends them to the 16th final. One more lap to pass while the objective set by the leaders is to “do the best you can“in all competitions.”We want to get a good result yes, but the draw against Cologne doesn’t change anything. We will play a good Partizan team.”