Nice vs Lorient – News and Probable Lineups

In an attempt to break a prolonged winless streak at home in Ligue 1, Nice will host Lorient at Allianz Riviera in the southern part of France on Sunday.

Following a 2-0 setback against Lyon last week, Les Aiglons are currently positioned 14th in the standings, trailing Lorient by eight points, who moved to ninth following a 2-0 victory over Angers.

Match overview

This month has been challenging for Nice, as the team is currently without a victory in their last three domestic matches.

These disappointing results came after a confident 4-1 victory over Nantes in late January, sparking some hope that they might have turned things around.

Under Claude Puel’s management, they have managed to earn points in three of their last four league encounters but have only secured one win in domestic competition since November of the previous year.

As they approach this fixture, they have found it difficult to score, failing to find the back of the net in consecutive Ligue 1 matches, and could potentially extend this to three matches without a goal for the first time since November-December 2021 (three).

At Allianz Riviera, they are currently winless in their last five domestic fixtures but have drawn in the last three.

Nice has not lost in their last seven Ligue 1 home encounters against the Brittany side, including a 3-0 win when the teams last faced each other at Allianz Riviera in April 2024.

The disappointment of a loss to a rival was quickly countered by Lorient, who responded to a 2-0 defeat against Brest by securing the same scoreline in their favor last week.

Defeats have been rare for Olivier Pantaloni’s squad lately, with the team experiencing only one loss in their previous 14 competitive matches.

Lorient has gained maximum points in four out of their last five league encounters, although they risk losing two straight away games in this competition for the first time since October-November of the previous year.

A win this weekend would mark only their third triumph in the top tier this season, matching their overall total from their last Ligue 1 campaign in 2023-24.

As they head into matchday 23, Lorient trails Rennes by just three points for a European spot next season and seems well-positioned to avoid relegation; they are currently 14 points clear of Auxerre, who are in the playoff spot.

Les Merlus could achieve the historic feat of winning both league games against Nice this weekend, having already secured a 3-1 victory when they hosted them in November.

Team News

Elye Wahi is a doubt for Nice on Sunday due to a knock, while Mohamed Abdelmonem continues to face fitness challenges, and Melvin Bard is dealing with adductor discomfort.

Moise Bombito will be absent because of a lower leg fracture, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.

In Lorient, Souleymane Toure is uncertain for this weekend due to a knock, alongside Trevan Sanusi with a knee issue, while Abdoulaye Faye might miss another match due to a hamstring strain.

Pablo Pagis and Jean-Victor Makengo found the net against Angers, while Yvon Mvogo recorded four saves to keep a clean sheet.

Nice probable starting XI:

Dupe; Clauss, Oppong, Bah, Abdi; Samson, Vanhoutte; Cho, Diop, Louchet; Charles

Lorient probable starting XI:

Mvogo; Silva, Talbi, Yongwa; Le Bris, Cadiou, Abergel, Kouassi; Makengo, Country; Dieng

While Nice has displayed stronger performances at home, they have frequently squandered promising displays this season, leading us to believe the visitors might secure a point from this match.