Can Nice end their goal drought against a fearless newcomer? Nice vs Le Mans prediction — 05.09.2026
On Saturday, September 5, Nice will host Le Mans at the Allianz Riviera in the third round of the 2026/27 Ligue 1 season. Both sides are still searching for their first victory: Nice have collected one point without scoring a single goal, while newly promoted Le Mans also have one point but have already found the net four times. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 local time.
- Also read: Ligue 1: Can Toulouse secure victory? Prediction for the match against Lille, September 3
Nice: the attack has become the main concern
Nice began their Ligue 1 campaign with a goalless home draw against Lorient before suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Paris FC. Olivier Pantaloni's team actually had 55% possession and produced 16 shots in Paris, but only four were on target, once again highlighting the lack of cutting edge in the final third. After the match, Pantaloni openly admitted that the attacking phase remains a major area of work.
The situation is particularly striking because Nice have now gone five consecutive matches without scoring when the end of pre-season is included. However, the club reacted aggressively in the final days of the transfer window. Elye Wahi is pushing for his first league start, while Mohammed Amoura arrived on loan from Wolfsburg after scoring eight goals in Germany last season. The Algerian can operate across the entire front line and should give Pantaloni much more pace and unpredictability.
There have also been important changes elsewhere in the squad. Melvin Bard left for Leeds on loan, with Niels Nkounkou arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt to reinforce the left flank. The latest team-news reports list Moïse Bombito, Laurent Abergel, Morgan Sanson and Ali Abdi among Nice's unavailable players, while the readiness of the newest arrivals still has to be monitored before kick-off.
Le Mans: goals have not been the problem
Le Mans returned to Ligue 1 after a 16-year absence and have immediately shown that they are not planning to simply defend their place among the elite. Patrick Videira's side drew 2-2 with Brest in the opening round and then produced another brave performance away to Rennes. They came back from 2-0 down at Roazhon Park before eventually losing 3-2 to a stoppage-time penalty.
Louis Mafouta has been one of the revelations of the opening two rounds. The summer signing has already scored three Ligue 1 goals, including both of Le Mans' goals at Rennes. His partnership with Dame Gueye has given the promoted side a genuine threat in transition, and the attack has now been strengthened further by Habib Diallo. The experienced Senegal international joined from Metz on September 1 after previously scoring 57 goals in 175 Ligue 1 appearances.
The problem is at the other end of the pitch. Le Mans have already conceded five goals in two matches, and their defensive situation has become more complicated ahead of the trip to Nice. Djibril Sidibé is suspended after being sent off only moments after coming on against Rennes, while first-choice goalkeeper Nicolas Kocik was forced off injured late in the same game. Ewan Hatfout is therefore expected to be ready to start in goal.
Probable lineups
Based on the latest available team news before the official matchday squads are announced:
- Nice: Diouf — Mendy, Ndayishimiye, Mandza — Clauss, Coulibaly, Witsel, Koutoune — Hein, Wahi, Diop.
- Le Mans: Hatfout — Eyoum, Boissé, Bamba — Lauray — Buades, Bretelle, Bourabaa, Calodat — Mafouta, Gueye.
Habib Diallo is another attacking option for Le Mans after his late-window arrival, while Amoura and Nkounkou could be added to Nice's options if they are considered ready.
Match facts
- Nice have taken one point from their opening two Ligue 1 matches and have yet to score.
- Le Mans have scored four goals but conceded five in their first two league games.
- Louis Mafouta has scored three of Le Mans' four Ligue 1 goals.
- Both of Le Mans' league matches this season have produced at least four goals.
- Nice are playing their second home league match of the season after drawing 0-0 with Lorient in the opener.
Nice should finally find a way through: Nice vs Le Mans prediction
There are obvious reasons to be cautious about Nice. Their attacking football has been slow and predictable, and going five consecutive matches without scoring is a serious warning sign. Le Mans, meanwhile, have already demonstrated at Rennes that they can recover from difficult situations and create chances against established Ligue 1 opposition.
Still, this matchup offers Pantaloni's team an excellent opportunity to reset. Le Mans play courageously but leave considerable space behind them, have conceded five goals in two rounds and now travel without suspended Sidibé, while the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Kocik is another significant issue. Nice should also have more attacking alternatives than in the opening rounds, with Wahi pushing for a start and Amoura providing another high-level option.
At the Allianz Riviera, against a promoted side whose defensive structure is still adapting to Ligue 1, Nice's greater individual quality should eventually make the difference. It may not be comfortable, but this looks like the right moment for the hosts to score their first goals and collect their first victory of the season.
Prediction: Nice to win.
