The two points that Nice have achieved, as expected, came at home: a creditable 1-1 against Real Sociedad before coming back from two points down to achieve a draw last time out against Twente.
It’s not surprising because they are undefeated on home soil this season, holding off leaders Paris St-Germain and fourth-placed Lille beating second-placed Monaco, not to mention an 8-0 rout of St Etienne.
However, Nice did not look entirely convincing as they came from behind (again) to beat Strasbourg on Sunday, having gone from Haise’s usual three in defense to a four.
That, in part, may be due to a large number of unavailable players, which should help the Rangers’ cause.
Last season’s top scorer, Nigerian striker Terem Moffi, and influential midfielder Morgan Sanson are on the long-term injured list.
There are also doubts over regular players such as right back Jonathan Clauss, Tunisian left back Ali Abdi and defensive midfielder Youssouf Ndaysimiya, while top picks Moise Bombito, the Canadian centre-back, and midfielder Sofiane Diop are suspended.
However, Nice still have some quality players available, with former Everton youth striker Mohamed-Ali Cho catching the eye on Sunday.
However, if Rangers can replicate their European rather than domestic form, they have every right to feel they can continue their impressive recent away record in the competition and take another step towards at least the play-off round. .
