Nice vs Lens 2 May 2026 Prediction

This match will also serve as a preview of the Coupe de France final. Nice and Lens will compete for the trophy on May 22, but first they meet in Ligue 1.

Both teams still have league motivation. Nice have not yet fully secured their place in Ligue 1 for next season, while Lens are still in the title race. This match gives both sides a chance to move closer to their goals.

Nice Are Gaining Confidence

Nice’s season could still finish in very different ways. Winning the Coupe de France and qualifying for the Europa League would change the overall view of the campaign. At the same time, Claude Puel’s team are only five points above the relegation playoff zone, which is still a concern for both the club and its fans.

Recent Ligue 1 results give Nice some reason for cautious optimism. The team from the French Riviera avoided defeat against top-six sides Lille (0-0) and Marseille (1-1). A recent 2-0 cup win over Strasbourg should also give Nice more confidence.

Lens Need Their Starters on the Field

Lens have produced two straight comeback results in Ligue 1. First, Pierre Sage’s team came back from 0-2 down to beat Toulouse 3-2. Then they recovered from a three-goal deficit against Brest to draw 3-3. In both cases, the match changed only after attacking leaders Allan Saint-Maximin, Florian Thauvin, and Odsonne Edouard came on after halftime.

Without those forwards, Lens look much less dangerous in attack. That uncertainty also affects the goalkeeper and defenders, who have made major early mistakes in recent matches. The dropped points against Brest may have seriously damaged Lens’ chances of challenging PSG for the title.

Predicted Lineup: Nice vs Lens

Nice (5-4-1): Diouf – Clauss, Bah, Mendy, Oppong, Bard – Cho, Boudaoui, Abdul Samed, Diop – Wahi

Out: Abdelmonem, Bombito, Everton (all injured)

Manager: Claude Puel

Lens (3-4-2-1): Risser – Baidoo, Gagnou, Sarr – Abdulhamid, Sangare, Thomasson, Yudol – Thauvin, Said – Edouard

Out: Gradit, Gurtner (both injured), Masuaku (yellow-card suspension)

Manager: Pierre Sage

Referee

Thomas Leonard

Leonard is not one of the more lenient referees in Ligue 1. In 11 of his 16 matches this season, he showed more than three yellow cards. However, he does not often use stricter disciplinary measures.

• 16 Ligue 1 matches officiated in the 2025/26 season
• Average of 3.9 yellow cards and 24.5 fouls per match
• 3 red cards shown (19%)
• 3 penalties awarded (19%)

Stats and Trends

Matches involving Lens average 9.6 corners, while Nice matches average 10.6 corners. Over 9.5 total corners looks like a reasonable option.

At least four yellow cards were shown in 17 of Nice’s 31 league matches and in 20 of Lens’ 30 matches. Over 3.5 total yellow cards is also worth considering.

Best Bet: Nice Double Chance at 2.10

Main pick: The title race may become much harder for Lens after this match. In April, Nice have shown they can compete with teams fighting for European places, with draws against Lille and Marseille and a win over Strasbourg. Lens have also struggled on the French Riviera, with six losses and three draws in their last nine away meetings with Nice. Nice double chance at 2.10 is the best option.

Total pick: Lens’ recent matches have been very high-scoring. Their last three games produced 16 total goals. Nice are also not a team that simply sits deep, so they should be able to contribute to an open match. Over 3.5 goals at 2.35 is worth considering.

Correct score pick: Lens have scored at least two goals in each of their last four matches, including a friendly against Rouen. Nice have also scored two goals in five of their last six home head-to-head meetings with Lens. The correct score pick is 2-2 at 13.00.