Nice vs Le Mans: Promoted Le Mans hunt first win
Nice welcome promoted Le Mans to the Allianz Riviera on Saturday evening as both sides go in search of their first Ligue 1 victory of the 2026-27 season.
Team News and Injury Latest
Le Mans are without centre-back Samuel Yohou, who remains sidelined with a thigh injury. The visitors’ back three of Noa Boissé, Harold Voyer, and Théo Eyoum is likely to continue, with Eyoum having made 10 clearances in a recent outing. Midfielder Rayan Bamba has impressed with his passing accuracy (91.2% over 62 passes) and will be key to transitioning from defence to attack. Up front, Louis Mafouta opened his Ligue 1 account in the 2-2 draw with Brest, while Adil Bourabaa provided an assist and two chances created.
Nice reported no fresh concerns following their goalless draw against Lorient, where the hosts struggled to break down a deep5-4-1 low block.
Nice Form Guide
Nice began their campaign with a frustrating0-0 stalemate at home to Lorient. Despite dominating possession, they found it difficult to create clear chances against a compact defensive setup. The Côte d'Azur club will need more invention in the final third to avoid a second straight home blank. With pace on the wings and a physical presence upfront, Nice have the tools to stretch a Le Mans side that has already conceded twice in each of their opening two matches.
Le Mans Form Guide
After a16-year absence from the top flight, Le Mans returned to Ligue1 with a spirited2-2 home draw against Brest, where Louis Mafouta netted. They then faced Rennes on the road last weekend. Now back on their travels, Le Mans will aim to maintain the positive momentum gained from their opening point and continue to unsettle established top-fight opponents.
Key Battle: Nice’s forward line vs Le Mans’ reshuffled defence
With Yohou absent, Le Mans’ back three will be tested by Nice’s movement. Théo Eyoum and his defensive partners must stay disciplined to avoid being pulled out of position. At the other end, Mafouta and Bourabaa offer Le Mans a counter-attacking outlet, and Nice’s defence cannot afford to switch off as they did when conceding twice against Brest.