Home / Match Previews / Ligue 1: Nice vs Lorient preview

Ligue 1: Nice vs Lorient preview

Kick off: Saturday, 23 January @19:00 GMT

Venue: Allianz Riviera (Nice)

Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)

Head to head record

Lorient vs Nice 0-0 (2015/2016 Ligue 1)
Nice vs Lorient 3-1 (2014/2015 Ligue 1)
Lorient vs Nice 0-0 (2014/2015 Ligue 1)
Nice vs Lorient 1-2 (2013/2014 Ligue 1)
Lorient vs Nice 3-0 (2013/2014 Ligue 1)

Nice vs Lorient prediction

After making a terrific comeback in a 2-1 win over Angers at the weekend, Nice will be aiming to give fans yet another reason for celebration when they host Lorient at their Allianz Riviera on day 22 of the 2015/2016 Ligue 1 campaign.

The Hatem Ben Arfa effect

Nice finished the 2014/2015 Ligue 1 campaign in the bottom half of the standigns, but the club chiefs had reinforced the squad n the summer transfer window and, as a result, les Aiglons are fighting for a place in European competitions this season. Signing of Hatem Ben Arfa has already proved fruitful for the club owners as the former Newcastle United man has netted nine goals in the 2015/2016 Ligue 1 campaign to date. Nice showed characted in a 2-1 win over Angers, with the team coming from one goal behind to pick up all three points from the match. Les Aiglons are flying high ahead of the visit of Lorien and it has to be noted that a win over les Merlus could see them climb to second place in the standings. Anyhow, Claude Puel’s troops will have to be at their sharpest if they are to record their sixth home triumph of the season.

The likes of Pereira, Bodmer, Pouplin, Traore, Plea and Le Bihan remain in the recovery room, but coach Claude Puel has no fresh injury worries ahead of the Lorient game.

Four-match winless run

Lorient have been slipping down the standings week by week. Les Merlus occupy 12th place in the Ligue 1 table ahead of Matchday 22 and they have yet to record a win in the new year, speaking of league matches. On the other hand, Lorient eliminated Boulogne in Coupe de France on Wednesday evening and their fresh confidence will be tested in Saturday’s game against Nice. The visitors aim to regain their spot in the top half of the standings, but beating Nice at Allianz Riviera is easier said than done. Sylvain Ripoll’s troops have suffered only one defeat in previous six away games, but they have recorded no more than one triumph in those encounters, with the team beating Toulouse at Stadium Municipal in December. Benjamin Jeanot scored a brace in the French Cup game in midweek and he is likely to keep his place in the starting XI. Jeanot has netted 10 goals in all competitions this season, meaning that the opposition defenders should have him at bay.

Waris, Moukandjo and Lautoa are all out of contention with injury, but there are no suspended players in the away team. Raphael Guerreiro is pushing for a start after coming as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Boulogne.

Quick Facts

  • Nice are eyeing their third consecutive win at home ground
  • Over 2.5 goals were scored in four of Nice’s last five home games
  • Les Aiglons are undefeated in three encounters agaisnt Lorient
  • Lorient are on a four-match winless run in Ligue 1
  • Les Merlus failed to score in two of previous three meetings with Nice

Nice vs Lorient betting tip

Nice are brimming with confidence ahead of the visit of Lorient. Les Aiglons will not have better chance than this too book their place in European competitions and seeing that key player Hatem Ben Arfa has been scoring goals for fun of late, I believe that there is a big value in betting on the hosts. Les Merlus have been struggling in the national championship of late and they are likely to return home empty-handed.

Tip: Nice to win

Odds: 1.90 (9/10) @Unibet

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