Axel Witsel prepares to start for OGC Nice against Le Mans

OGC Nice hosts Le Mans FC at the Allianz Riviera on Saturday night with Axel Witsel expected to feature in the starting XI. The veteran midfielder will likely partner with academy graduate Djibril Coulibaly in the center of the park. Nice continues to navigate several injuries in the midfield, including long-term absentee Laurent Abergel and unavailable players Morgan Sanson and Hicham Boudaoui. Everton remains a secondary candidate for a midfield start depending on final team selections. New addition Mohamed Amoura is included in the squad for the match but is not expected to start. Niels Nkounkou is also in contention to make his debut for the club at left-back.

• 9:20 AMYahoo Sports — OGC Nice predicted XI v Le Mans: Axel Witsel to start for Olivier Pantaloni’s side