An in-form Lorient travel south to the French Riviera, where a shaky Nice outfit await at the Allianz Riviera on Sunday, 22 February.
Keep close tabs on French Ligue 1 predictions after viewing our Nice vs Lorient prediction below.
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Nice vs Lorient prediction: Les Merlus to upset Eagles
Key stats
- Nice are winless in three straight Ligue 1 games (D2, L1).
- The Eagles are winless in seven of their 11 home matches (W4, D4, L3).
- Lorient have lost six of their 11 away league fixtures (W2, D3).
- The Merlus have scored the third-fewest away goals this term (7).
Correct score prediction: Nice 1-1 Lorient
Nice continue their struggles in the French top-flight, and are getting closer to the relegation spots each passing week. Following their 2-0 loss to Lyon, Nice now sit just six points clear of 17th-placed Auxerre. Claude Puel’s men have won just once in 12 league games – this includes their current five-match winless run at home (D3, L2). This is their joint-longest such streak at the Allianz Riviera since January 2021. Also, they have failed to score in back-to-back matches.
In contrast, Lorient are faring extremely well since the end of 2025. They have lost just one of their last 14 competitive fixtures – their 2-0 loss two matchdays ago to Brest. Lorient recently beat Angers by the same scoreline. Olivier Pantaloni's side will be itching to inflict yet another loss on Nice after beating them earlier this season.
Lorient are bettered by only three Ligue 1 sides in terms of points won in 2026. Nice are in poor form, and Lorient are well poised to return home with a point at the least.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies back Nice
- HOME: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Nice are staring at a return to Ligue 2 for the first time since 2000. Bookmakers foresee the hosts claiming a home victory, with odds of 11/10 (2.10) in their favour. This implies a 47.6% chance of victory at the Allianz Riviera.
Lorient are not far from the top six positions, with only Strasbourg and Monaco between them and Rennes. As the away team, they are considered underdogs with 23/10 (3.30) odds, suggesting a 30.3% win probability rate.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips page after analysing our Nice vs Lorient predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Nice on top
Lorient’s only victory in their last six H2Hs against Nice arrived in the reverse fixture back in November 2025. Across the other five meetings, Nice have won thrice, and they’ve drawn twice.
France Ligue 1 30/11/25
Lorient
Nice
France Ligue 1 19/04/24
Nice
Lorient
France Ligue 1 20/08/23
Lorient
Nice
France Ligue 1 19/03/23
Nice
Lorient
France Ligue 1 30/10/22
Lorient
Nice
Nice preview: A handful sidelined
Elye Wahi remains doubtful to appear for Nice, while five other players are confirmed absentees. This includes Mohamed Abdelmonem, Moise Bombito, Tiago Gouvela, Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Melvin Bard.
Predicted lineup: Dupe (GK), Clauss, Oppong, Bah, Abdi, Sanson, Vanhoutte, Cho, Diop, Louchet & Carlos
Last five matches:
- 15/02/26: Lyon 2-0 Nice (Ligue 1)
- 08/02/26: Nice 0-0 Monaco (Ligue 1)
- 04/02/26: Nice 3-2 Montpellier (Coupe de France)
- 01/02/26: Nice 2-2 Brest (Ligue 1)
- 29/01/26: Ludogorets 1-0 Nice (UEFA Europa League)
Lorient preview: Four notable absentees
Bandiougou Fadiga, Benjamin Leroy, Trevan Sanusi and Souleymane Toure are four players missing for Pantaloni and co.
Predicted lineup: Mvogo (GK), Silva, Talbi, Yongwa, Le Bris, Cadiou, Abergel, Kouassi, Makengo, Pagis & Dieng
Last five matches:
- 15/02/26: Lorient 2-0 Angers (Ligue 1)
- 07/02/26: Brest 3-1 Lorient (Ligue 1)
- 04/02/26: Lorient 2-0 Paris FC (Couple de France)
- 31/01/26: Lorient 2-1 Nantes (Ligue 1)
- 24/01/26: Rennes 0-2 Lorient (Ligue 1)
Player to watch: Pablo Pagis
Centre-forward Pablo Pagis is Lorient’s top scorer this season with seven strikes. One of those goals came as a result of a brilliant individual effort for Lorient’s opener in the 2-0 victory over Angers last matchday. His presence is extremely significant for the Merlus, who have been inconsistent away from home all season.