Ligue 1 | Gameweek 22

Feb 16, 2025 at 4.15pm UK

Stade Oceane

Le Havre vs Nice

Match preview

Le Havre head into this weekend's fixture with renewed confidence after an unexpected 2-1 win at Lille in Ligue 1 last weekend.

The triumph was a significant boost for Didier Digard's side, who had drawn two and lost six of their previous eight top-flight matches, but a determined display saw them take a two-goal lead through Ahmed Mahgoub and Issa Soumare, with Chuba Akpom's 97th-minute consolation.

Despite the win, Le Havre remain in the bottom two on 17 points, just above Montpellier, who are four points adrift of safety.

Having drawn 1-1 with Angers prior to their latest success, Le Club Doyen now have the chance to go three games unbeaten in the league for the first time since January-February 2024.

However, they face a daunting task against this weekend's visitors, who have beaten them in the last two meetings, winning 1-0 in May 2024 and 2-1 in the reverse fixture last December.

The home side's task is made all the more daunting by their struggles at the Stade Oceane, where they have lost eight of their 10 Ligue 1 encounters this season and have the worst home record in the league with six points.

Meanwhile, Nice bounced back from their disappointing cup exit with a commanding 2-0 win over Lens at the Allianz Riviera last Saturday, a result that propelled them into the Champions League places.

After failing to make the most of home advantage in their Europa League knockout first-leg play-off against Bodo/Glimt and suffering a shock last-16 exit at fourth-tier Stade Briochin in the Coupe de France, the Eaglets needed a strong response and they delivered.

Gaetan Laborde's early strike set the tone before Jonathan Clauss sealed victory in the 64th minute to continue their impressive league run.

With nine wins, six draws and two defeats in their last 17 Ligue 1 matches, Nice have found consistency after a slow start to the season, which saw them win just one and lose two of their opening four games.

Their tally of 37 points from 10 wins, seven draws and four reverses leaves Le Gym third in the standings, ahead of fourth-placed Monaco only on goal difference.

Eager to tighten their grip on a top-three spot, Nice will be hoping for the full reward this weekend, but they face a tough hurdle having come away empty-handed from five of their eight trips to Le Havre, with only three draws to show for their efforts.

Recent Performance

Le Havre Ligue 1 form:LLDLDW

Nice Ligue 1 form:WWLWDW

Nice form (all competitions):LWDDLW

Team News

Arouna Sangante returns from suspension and will be a big boost to Le Havre's defence after their impressive win over Lille last weekend.

Digard could stick with the same starting XI as last time out, with Ahmed Hassan leading the line and Issa Soumare operating on the left wing.

However, he will be without Abdoulaye Toure, Elysee Logbo, Fode Ballo-Toure, Emmanuel Sabbi, Daler Kuzyaev and Antoine Joujou, all of whom have been ruled out through injury.

With Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Hicham Boudaoui both suspended for accumulating yellow cards, Nice will be forced to make significant changes.

In Ndayishimiye's absence, Melvin Bard could move into the centre-back role he occupied earlier in the season, with Ali Abdi taking over on the left, while Boudaoui's unavailability could open the door for Mohamed Abdelmonem to move into midfield.

Possible starting lineup

Le Havre possible starting lineup:

Gorgelin; Nego, Zouaoui, Sangante, Lloris; Mwanga; Soumare, Diawara, Kechta, Casimir; Hassan

Nice possible starting lineup:

Bulka; Bombito, Dante, Bard; Clauss, Abdelmonem, Santamaria, Abdi; Guessand, Laborde, Cho