Nice predicted XI v Clermont: Ross Barkley set to benefit from heavy rotation

With the second leg of OGC Nice’s UEFA Europa Conference League game against Basel on Thursday in mind, Didier Digard is set to heavily rotate his starting lineup against Clermont Foot on Sunday. 

One of the benefactors of the rotation is likely to be Ross Barkley, who is set for a rare start. The Englishman’s contract expires at the end of the season. However, as he isn’t registered in Nice’s Europa Conference League squad, he is set for some more gametime in Ligue 1, even if his long-term future doesn’t seem to be at the Allianz Riviera. 

Some of Les Aiglons’ youth prospects are also set to get their chance. Badredine Bouanani has already started for Nice this season but has seen chances more difficult to come by since the return of Nicolas Pépé from injury. Reda Belahyane could be set for his first start for the professional team, whilst young centre-back Yannis Nahounou could earn his first minutes in a Nice shirt. 

Nice likely lineup v Clermont Foot

Kasper Schmeichel – Melvin Bard, Yannis Nahounou, Jean Clair-Todibo, Antoine Mendy – Ross Barkley, Pablo Rosario, Reda Belahyane – Billal Brahimi, Terem Moffi, Badredine Bouanani. (N-M)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle