Lyon v Nice: Probable line-ups for Groupama Stadium clash

Olympique Lyonnais and OGC Nice meet at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday, 18 October 2026, in one of the key fixtures of the 7th round of the French championship.

Paulo Fonseca will still be without several players for Lyon, despite Moussa Niakhate returning to the squad for the recent European match against Crystal Palace.

Lois Openda remains unavailable after suffering a fracture to the right fibula during the game against Lens. Nicolas Tagliafico is continuing his recovery from the injury he sustained while playing for Argentina during the latest international break.

Mohamed Ouedraogo is also expected to remain out for an extended period following surgery.

Lyon’s probable XI

Dominik Greif is expected to start in goal, with Ruben Kluivert, Felix Bacher, Abner and Zachary Athekame forming the defence.

Tyler Morton and Corentin Tolisso could operate in midfield alongside Noah Nartey and Khalis Merah, while Keito Nakamura and Ernest Nuamah are likely to lead the attack.

Probable Olympique Lyonnais line-up: Dominik Greif; Ruben Kluivert, Felix Bacher, Abner, Zachary Athekame; Tyler Morton, Corentin Tolisso, Noah Nartey, Khalis Merah; Keito Nakamura, Ernest Nuamah.

OGC Nice will travel with a depleted squad, with Olivier Pantaloni still waiting for the return of several players.

Laurent Abergel, Moise Bombito and Antoine Mendy are not yet available to the Nice manager. Morgan Sanson is also short of match fitness and is not ready to return to competition.

Ali Abdi remains doubtful because of a persistent quadriceps problem. Nathan Ngoumou, however, could make his comeback in this fixture.

Nice’s probable XI

Yehvann Diouf is expected to take his place in goal. The defensive line could consist of Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Mohamed Abdelmonem and Xavier Mandza.

Axel Witsel, Hicham Boudaoui, Niels Nkounkou and Jonathan Clauss are the probable midfielders, with Mohamed Amoura, Gauthier Hein and Elye Wahi forming the attacking line.

Probable OGC Nice line-up: Yehvann Diouf; Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Xavier Mandza; Axel Witsel, Hicham Boudaoui, Niels Nkounkou, Jonathan Clauss; Mohamed Amoura, Gauthier Hein, Elye Wahi.

The match forms part of the 7th round of the French championship. The listed odds from 1xbet make Olympique Lyonnais favourites at 1.61, with a draw priced at 3.90 and an OGC Nice victory at 4.40.