Nice vs Lorient Prediction & BETTING TIPS - 22/02/2026

Nice face a tough test at home against Lorient after a 2-0 loss to Lyon, which highlighted their defensive struggles. As Lorient have been in a promising form of late, we predict a 2-1 away win. Nice forward Elye Wahi limped off injured, so Kail Boudache is expected to step up in attack, but their offensive output has been inconsistent, scoring 1.50 goals on average while conceding 1.60. Home form (dwdwd) hasn’t offered much reassurance, with clean sheets achieved in only 20% of matches and both teams scoring in 80% of games. Expected goals (xG 1.80 at home, xGA 1.25) also suggests chances created but a leaky defense.Lorient, meanwhile, are in fine form, riding a 2-0 victory over Angers, and boast one of the league’s most impressive away records. Les Merlus average 3.17 goals in away games, conceding just 0.67, and have won four of their last five matches overall (wwwlw). Their expected goals of 1.68 indicates consistent chance creation, while xGA 1.54 reflects solid defensive organization.