Nice vs Lens – News and Probable Lineups

In the build-up to the forthcoming Coupe de França final, Lens are set to head to Allianz Riviera in the south of França, where they will face Nice in a Ligue 1 fixture on Saturday.

As they approach this matchday, Le Gym currently sits 15th in the standings, having secured a 1-1 draw against Marseille in their last outing, while Lens trails Paris Saint-Germain by six points, after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brest.

Match overview

Although their performance has been less than stellar, Nice is on the brink of avoiding relegation with just three matches to go in what has been a challenging season overall.

Claude Puel’s squad is five points clear of the relegation playoff spot and has guaranteed they will avoid automatic relegation to Ligue 2.

Despite being winless in their last five league matches, Nice has managed to draw three of those games, keeping themselves above the relegation zone.

At home, their performance has been troubling as they have not secured a domestic victory in 2026, accumulating just five points at Allianz Riviera this year.

Throughout 2026, their defensive issues have often been highlighted at home, with three or more goals conceded in three of their last four league matches played at Allianz Riviera.

Les Aiglons remain unbeaten in their last nine home encounters against Lens across all competitions, not conceding a single goal in their last three meetings.

By a narrow margin, Lens has been managing to stay in the mix lately, keeping their hopes for the league title alive.

Pierre Sage’s team has made it difficult for themselves, often falling behind by two or three goals in their last three Ligue 1 matches but managing to earn points in two of those cases.

On Saturday, they will aim to break a four-match winless streak away from home in this competition, having lost two of their last three games on the road.

This season, Lens has been nearly flawless against teams currently positioned in the lower half of the table, dropping points against only one such team (2-0 at Metz last October).

Lens has conceded 12 goals away this year, which is three more than they allowed during the 2025 portion of the season.

Les Sang et Or have the opportunity to win both fixtures against Nice in the same Ligue 1 season for the first time this century, having previously beaten them 2-0 at home in December.

Team News

Moise Bombito might be sidelined for Nice due to a lower leg complaint, Youssouf Ndayishimiye is grappling with a calf strain, while Mohamed Abdelmonem has a muscle issue and Everton Pereira is facing a sore ankle.

Elye Wahi earned his side a point at Stade Velodrome last weekend, converting a penalty kick just two minutes before the 90.

At Lens, Regis Gurtner continues to deal with a hamstring problem, Joanthan Gradit is struggling with a lower leg issue, Nidal Celik is doubtful after a knock, and Kyllian Antonio may also miss out due to a foot injury.

Florian Thauvin sparked their comeback at Brest with a goal in the 60th minute, followed by Abdallah Sima scoring a minute later and Allan Saint-Maximin grabbing a point with a strike in stoppage time.

Nice probable starting XI:

Diouf; Mendy, Bah, Oppong; Clauss, Samson, Boudaoui, Bard; Diop, Cho; Revelation

Lens probable starting XI:

Risser; Ganiou, Sarr, Baidoo; Abdulhamid, Sangare, Thomasson, Udol; Thauvin, Said; Edward

Lens has demonstrated considerable determination, but it seems that the pressure might be affecting them, as they are currently lacking consistency in their defensive play.