Angers vs Nice – News and Probable Lineups

On Sunday, Angers has the opportunity to remain above the relegation zone of Ligue 1 with a win against a resurgent Nice at Stade Raymond Kopa.

The recent 2-0 loss to Lyon last weekend saw Les Scoistes fall to 15th place, while Nice secured an impressive 5-2 victory against Rennes at home, climbing into eighth position.

Match overview

The international break appeared to halt any momentum Angers may have had, making it crucial for them to secure a win this weekend – their first since September.

Stephane Gilli’s squad has managed only one point from their last four Ligue 1 matches since the resumption of the season in October, leaving them just a point clear of Le Mans, who are in the last automatic relegation spot.

The team has experienced difficulties at home, winning just one of their five Ligue 1 matches this season and failing to earn points in three of those fixtures.

In the current season, they have conceded nine goals at home in Ligue 1—one more than the goals allowed during their last eight league matches from the previous season.

They have struggled to defend set-pieces this season, tying with Auxerre for the second-highest number of set-piece goals conceded, which stands at five.

Les Scoistes have not yet registered a point against any Ligue 1 team currently in the upper half of the table after nine matchdays.

Olivier Pantaloni seems to have finally instilled some form of consistency at Nice, with his team performing well since the autumn.

The club, which narrowly avoided relegation last season, has won four out of their last five league encounters, and they could secure three consecutive top-flight victories this weekend for the first time in 2026.

Le Gym also has the chance to notch their second away win of the season, matching their total from the 2026 part of the previous season.

They lost their only away match this season in which they scored first, whereas their sole victory on the road came after they conceded the opening goal.

After nine matchdays in Ligue 1, they have accumulated the same points total as they did at this stage last season (14).

The team from southern France remains unbeaten against Angers at Stade Raymond Kopa in this decade, winning four out of six encounters.

Team News

Oumar Pona is likely to miss out due to a calf strain, although Anthony Lopes would probably have started in goal regardless.

Amine El Ouazzini is also expected to be sidelined, with Haris Belkebla and Prosper Peter likely forming the attacking duo.

For Nice, Laurent Abergel and Antoine Mendy are recovering from serious knee injuries, while Moise Bombito’s participation is uncertain due to a leg fracture, Ali Abdi is dealing with a leg issue, and Axel Witsel’s availability is questionable due to a muscular injury.

Elye Wahi scored a hat-trick against Rennes, with Jonathan Clauss and Mohamed Amoura also finding the back of the net at Allianz Riviera.

Angers probable starting XI:

Lopes; Raolisoa, Arcus, Camara, Lefort, Kalulu; Belkhdim, Van den Boomen, Allevinah; Peter, Belkebla

Nice probable starting XI:

Diouf; Manza, Nedshimiah, Abdelmonem; Clauss, Coulibaly, Boudaoui, Nkounkou; Diop, Hein; Revelation

Given their recent form and proficiency in maintaining possession, Nice appears poised to outlast the home side and secure a victory.