Nice vs Le Mans prediction 05.09.2026 | Ligue 1

Nice return to Allianz Riviera after a comprehensive 3:0 defeat against Paris FC last weekend.

Les Aiglons registered 15 attempts but struggled to create meaningful opportunities during a disappointing performance in the capital.

Pantaloni’s side opened their campaign with a goalless home draw against Lorient, leaving Nice without a goal after two Ligue 1 fixtures. 

The out-of-form hosts have now failed to win any of their five most recent fixtures, while they have won only one of nine competitive fixtures since the end of last season. Nice did not score in any of their last five fixtures, and a lack of firepower looks a big issue in the early weeks of the new campaign. 

Head coach Pantaloni has four expected absentees this weekend. Mohamed Amoura, Moïse Bombito, Laurent Abergel and Morgan Sanson are set to remain unavailable. 

Sofiane Diop, Gaëtan Hein and Nathan Ngoumou are among those competing for starting positions in the final third.

Le Mans make the journey south after a painful 3:2 defeat against Rennes at Roazhon Park.

Patrick Videira’s men fought back from two goals down with a brace from Louis Mafouta before Esteban Lepaul converted a stoppage-time penalty to snatch the points for Rennes.

Djibril Sidibé endured a disastrous debut after receiving a straight red card just 43 seconds after his introduction from the bench. The experienced defender is suspended for Saturday’s contest. 

Le Mans began their top-flight campaign with a 2:2 draw against Brest. Competing in Ligue 1 for the first time since 2009, the visitors have failed to win any of their last five matches, including their final three pre-season fixtures.

Patrick Videira is unable to call on three first-team players. Erwan Colas, Yasser Larouci and Samuel Yohou are expected to remain sidelined.

Mafouta should continue in attack after registering three goals and one assist in his first two Ligue 1 appearances.