Monaco vs Nice preview

Posted Friday, September 26, 2014 by PA

Monaco defender Layvin Kurzawa is fully focused on the task in hand as his side take on Nice in Saturday's Ligue 1 derby clash at the Stade Louis II.

The Red and Whites are hoping to build on their three-match winning streak in all competitions when they face fellow mid-table outfit Nice, who have also collected 10 points from their opening seven matches, following a mixed start to the season.

After coming out on top of their Champions League match against Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month, Leonardo Jardim's outfit claimed all three points from Wednesday's 1-0 trip to Montpellier following last weekend's 1-0 victory over Guingamp to sit 11th in the table on goal difference.

France Under-21 left-back Kurzawa told his club's official website www.asm-fc.com: "We've been working hard in training and done everything we can to turn things around.

"I'm focused in the Nice game, it's a must-win (game)."

Following this weekend's Nice game, Monaco next take on Zenit in Champions League Group C, but Kurzawa - who hopes to play a big role in Saturday's derby - added: "I think like a forward. I'm not completely satisfied unless I score or get an assist.

"We'll move on to the Champions League afterwards."

Claude Puel's Nice have won two of their last three league games, the latest being a 1-0 midweek victory at home to Lille, but they have only collected one point away from home this season and are hoping to change that on Saturday.

Captain Didier Digard will make his comeback for the Eaglets and replaces Albert Rafetraniaina, who is suffering with a knee injury, in Puel's starting line-up.

Puel told a press conference: "A derby is always a special match. We will be present. For our fans. For us. To experience something."