Lyon vs Nice Lineups, Prediction, Betting Picks & Odds
Lyon vs Nice predictions, probable lineups and betting odds for Sunday's Ligue 1 game. Explore Same Game Parlay picks and standout odds before kick-off.
Grayson Parker - October 18, 2026, 10:53 AM EDT
6 minutesLyon vs Nice Game Preview
Competition | French Ligue 1 |
|---|---|
Game Date | Sunday, October 18, 2026 |
Game Time | 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Groupama Stadium |
Our Lyon vs Nice prediction leans firmly toward the hosts as Nice visit Groupama Stadium for a Ligue 1 matchup on Sunday.
Lyon bring the sharper attack, built on clinical finishing and quick counters, though losing Loïs Openda to a leg fracture takes some bite out of the front line.
Nice like the ball, stretch the field and attack down the right through Jonathan Clauss, but they have been blunt in front of goal and error-prone at the back.
The head-to-head backs the hosts too. Lyon have won four of the previous meetings between these clubs, while Nice have won just one and the other ended in a tie.
Lyon vs Nice Recent Results
Lyon have been solid rather than spectacular in Ligue 1, banking 11 points from their opening games. Their most recent outing was a 2-1 loss at Lens, a sloppy reminder that this group can still wobble. Corentin Tolisso remains the heartbeat in midfield, the guy who keeps the engine room ticking and draws contact in dangerous areas.
Nice are the definition of middling in Ligue 1, sitting on eight points from an even split of wins, ties and losses. They did beat Strasbourg at home in their last league outing, but Nice have won just 2 of their last 10 games against all opponents. Elye Wahi is the focal point up top, with Jonathan Clauss supplying from the right.
Lyon vs Nice Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
Lyon: Loïs Openda (Injured/out), Nicolas Tagliafico (Injured/out), Mohamed Ouédraogo (Injured/out)
Nice: Laurent Abergel (Injured/out), Antoine Mendy (Injured/out), Moise Bombito (Injured/out), Morgan Sanson (Injured/doubtful)
Lyon
Lyon are without Loïs Openda, who has a hairline fracture in his leg and won't return until after the next international break. Nicolas Tagliafico is out for around three weeks after coming back injured from international duty, and Mohamed Ouédraogo has torn a cruciate ligament. The good news is that Moussa Niakhate returns to the squad, which gives the defense another body.
Nice
Nice remain without Laurent Abergel and Antoine Mendy, both recovering from ACL injuries, while Moise Bombito is out after further surgery on his shin. Morgan Sanson is a doubt with a knee problem as he works his way back to game fitness. The probable Lyon vs Nice lineups have Nice sticking with a back three, with Youssouf Ndayishimiye in the middle of it.
Lyon vs Nice Predicted Lineup
Lyon
Formation: 4-3-3 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: D. Greif; Z. Athekame, F. Bacher, R. Kluivert, A. Vinícius; M. Bidstrup, C. Tolisso, T. Morton; E. Nuamah, P. Sulc, K. Nakamura
Nice
Formation: 3-4-2-1 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: Y. Diouf; Y. Ndayishimiye, X. Mandza, M. Abdelmonem; J. Clauss, H. Boudaoui, A. Witsel, N. Nkounkou; M. Amoura, G. Hein; E. Wahi
Lyon vs Nice Key Stats & Game Facts
- Lyon have scored 2+ goals in 4 out of 4 games against Nice in Ligue 1.
- There have been 27+ shots taken in 5 of Lyon's last 6 games in Ligue 1.
- Youssouf Ndayishimiye has been carded in 3 of his last 3 appearances against Lyon in Ligue 1.
- Jonathan Clauss has recorded 1+ shots on target in 4 of his last 5 appearances in Ligue 1.
- Corentin Tolisso has won 2+ fouls in 3 of his last 3 appearances in Ligue 1.
Lyon vs Nice Prediction & Best Picks
Our Prediction
Our prediction is a 2-1 Lyon win. Lyon are the favorite here, and that tracks. Lyon turn their looks into goals, while Nice's finishing has been too blunt to keep pace in a game like this. Elye Wahi can give Nice a goal, but Lyon have more ways to hurt you and the better defensive structure once they get in front.
Best Picks
Lyon to beat Nice in the Moneyline market. This is a straight moneyline play on the hosts. Lyon have won their last 3 home games against Nice in all competitions, and they arrive with the stronger attack and the better recent form of the two sides.
Both teams to score: Yes, in the Both Teams To Score market. Both Teams To Score rounds out our Lyon vs Nice best picks because the projected total sits at 2.88 goals. Nice are soft against through balls and long shots, which suits Lyon, and a home back line without Nicolas Tagliafico looks less settled, which leaves the door open for Wahi.
Lyon vs Nice Same Game Parlay
Our Lyon vs Nice same game parlay picks combine a Nice defender's card, two Nice attacking player props and Lyon scoring at least twice at home.
Youssouf Ndayishimiye To Be Shown A Card. He has been carded in all 3 of his appearances against Lyon in Ligue 1, and opponents tend to play aggressively against this Lyon side.
Elye Wahi Anytime Goalscorer. The forward has found the net in 4 of his last 6 outings against Lyon in Ligue 1, which fits our view that Nice find the net.
Jonathan Clauss Over 0.5 Player Shots On Target. Four of his previous five Ligue 1 outings have brought 3 or more shots, and Nice funnel attacks down his right side.
Lyon Over 1.5 Total Home Goals. Lyon have scored 2+ goals in 4 out of 4 games against Nice in Ligue 1, and our prediction has them scoring twice.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Same Game Parlay with Oddschecker's Exclusive Same Game Parlay Comparison Tool.
Same Game Parlay odds correct at time of publishing.
Lyon vs Nice Talking Points
Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has talked up his squad's balance, saying he has strong depth in central defense and midfield to handle rotation in a three-match week. The real tactical story is out wide, though. Lyon love to attack down the left and play through balls, which is exactly where Nice have been soft. Nice will answer with possession and width, sending Clauss down the right. Whoever owns those flanks owns the game, and we trust Lyon's cutting edge more.
Lyon vs Nice Predictions FAQs
When is the Lyon vs Nice Ligue 1 game?
The game is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026, with kickoff at 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT.
Where is Lyon vs Nice being played?
The game is being played at Groupama Stadium.
Which players are ruled out for Lyon vs Nice?
Lyon are without Loïs Openda, Nicolas Tagliafico and Mohamed Ouédraogo through injury. Nice are without Laurent Abergel, Antoine Mendy and Moise Bombito, while Morgan Sanson is a doubt.
What was the last meeting between Lyon and Nice?
Lyon won the last meeting 2-0 at home in February 2026.
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