Nancy visit Rouge & Noir

The Rouge & Noir go forth against Nancy tomorrow in a match that will test Guy Lacombe's vast managerial skills. The young club's brilliant run that saw them without a set-back from the third week of the season against Grenoble is now without a win in three successive weeks. The cutting vision of the attack has vanished with only a single strike in the four matches of the new year.

Much of the trouble stems from the loss of Olivier Thomert from the left side of the attack. Although a rusty wheel last week against Le Havre, his threat will do wonders in opening up Jimmy Briand and Mickaël Pagis who have been cloaked during his absence as well as re-establish the contre-attaque. The only issues for les Rouge & Noir is losing to Asamoah Gyan and Jérôme Leroy to injury along with Moussa Sow to suspension.

To come out of this slump Guy Lacombe will be looking to expose Nancy's flanking weaknesses, perfect for the return of Thomert as well as the oppositions very typical slow start to a match. This is the key to the match and the point that observers should focus on.