Nice v Lorient: revival bid meets top-half push | OneFootball

Nice face Lorient in Ligue 1 on 22 February 2026 in Nice, with the hosts aiming to climb from 14th and the visitors looking to consolidate ninth.

Lorient won the reverse fixture 3-1 on 30 November 2025, while Nice were 3-0 winners the last time they hosted this matchup in April 2024.

Form points to a contrast. Les Aiglons have drawn with Monaco and Brest and won 4-1 at Nantes, but lost 2-0 at Lyon. Lorient, meanwhile, have beaten Rennes, Nantes and Angers, with only a setback at Brest interrupting that run.

Both sides have injuries. Les Aiglons are without Melvin Bard, Isak Jansson, Elye Wahi, Tiago Gouveia and Moïse Bombito. Lorient are missing Benjamin Leroy, Bandiougou Fadiga and Trevan Sanusi.

Les Aiglons have scored 27 and conceded 40 this season, so clean sheet control could be vital. Sofiane Diop leads their league scoring with seven, and Jonathan Clauss has supplied four assists, so service from the right flank may be a route. Lorient have 29 goals and five clean sheets. Pablo Pagis is on seven league goals, with Arsène Kouassi contributing four assists, giving the visitors a clear outlet in transition or when they build through midfield.

Les Aiglons sit on 23 points and a win would ease relegation pressure and nudge them towards mid table. Lorient are on 31 points and victory could strengthen their top half position and keep them in touch with the European race above.