Nice v Le Mans: goalless hosts meet high-scoring visitors | OneFootball

Nice and Le Mans meet in Ligue 1 on Saturday, 5 September 2026 in Nice, with the hosts looking to end a goalless start from two games and climb out of the relegation places, while 13th-placed Le Mans chase a first win after scoring four times already.

Their only recent meeting came in the 2019 Coupe de la Ligue, when Le Mans edged a 3-2 home win. Both sides sit on one point, so early season positioning is in play.

Nice opened with a goalless draw against Lorient before a 3-0 defeat at Paris FC, leaving Les Aiglons still searching for a cutting edge. Le Mans drew 2-2 with Brest and lost 3-2 at Rennes, suggesting goal threat but defensive vulnerability.

Team news could matter. The visitors are without Djibril Sidibe through suspension, with Nicolas Kocik, Erwan Colas and Yasser Larouci sidelined. For the hosts, Morgan Sanson, Laurent Abergel, Ali Abdi and Moïse Bombito are out injured.

Expect contrasting styles. Les Aiglons have seen more of the ball, averaging 57% possession with 88.49% passing accuracy and delivering 37 open-play crosses, so service from wide areas could target Mohamed Amoura. Le Mans have played with 44% possession and a more direct edge, but still produced four goals from 16 shots at 62.5% accuracy, led by Louis Mafouta's three league strikes, with Dame Gueye also on the board. Their 65 clearances and 10 blocks point to heavy defending that could invite pressure.

A first win would give Les Aiglons breathing room from the bottom three. Le Mans, meanwhile, could push towards the top half with victory, but another defeat may drag them closer to the relegation battle.