Nice vs Lorient Prediction, Tips & Stats

Two teams hoping to push for European place lock horns in Ligue 1 on Sunday, as Nice hosts Lorient at the Allianz Riviera.

Nice have been in great form in 2023, going on one of the best-undefeated streaks in Europe. Since losing in the French Cup in early January, the French Riviera outfit have played 11 games in all competitions without being defeated. In that time, Didier Digard’s side have picked up big wins against the likes of Marseille, Rens, and Lille in the league, as well as progressing into the round of 16 in the UEFA Conference League – with the quarter-finals looking likely.

The INEOS-owned side currently have a 1-0 lead over Sheriff ahead of their last 16 tie, with the likes of West Ham and Villarreal possible opponents for the quarters. Last time out in the league, Nice took the lead on two occasions away to Nantes, before the hosts came back twice to rescue a late point.

Digard’s men are seventh in the league, 11 points behind Rennes who occupy that third Champions League qualification place. The Champions League may be a bit far off, but eight points the difference to Monaco in fourth, four points adrift of Rennes in fifth.

Lorient are also in with a chance of a late push towards the top five, currently just two places below Nice in ninth. Both teams are level on points, with Nice edging it on goal difference. It means that a win for Lorient would be enough to see them leapfrog their opponents on Sunday.

Les Merlus have had a mixed few weeks in Ligue 1. Fabrice Loher’s side suffered a disappointing defeat at home to relegation contenders Auxerre, before going on to draw with Lyon in a 0-0 stalemate. Last weekend Lorient returned to winning ways at home to Troyes with a 2-0 win against the team second-from-bottom.

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Arsenal loanee Nicolas Pepe is one of the big threats for Nice, with eight goals and an assist in all competitions this season. The Ivory Coast winger has been out for a number of weeks since suffering an injury but is fit to return after being named in the squad for the second leg of Nice’s UECL clash with Sheriff.

There were concerns about the attitude of Leicester hero Kasper Schmeichel following his move to Nice form the King Power in the summer, but the Dane has been back performing at his best for the French outfit over the second half of this season.

Loan signing Terem Moffi has been the player to watch for Nice throughout this season, but the 23-year-old will miss the Lorient fixture. The striker has been in inspired form, with 15 Ligue 1 goals this season, but will be unavailable to play against his parent club.

Youcef Atal, Antoine Mendy and Sofiane Diop are all unavailable due to injury.

Goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo is still injured for the visitors, so former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone will keep his place in goal for Lorient.

Centre-back Julien Laporte is still out after suffering a knee injury which is expected to keep him out until the latter stages of April.

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