Ligue 1 September 6 Preview: Nice vs Le Mans & Angers vs Rennes | Predictions and Score Tips

Ligue 1 Matchday 3 continues on September 6 with two interesting fixtures for Indian football fans. Nice host newly promoted Le Mans at the Allianz Riviera, while Rennes travel to the Stade Raymond Kopa to face Angers.

Both matches offer contrasting storylines. Nice are desperately searching for their first league win and goal of the season, while Rennes will look to extend their unbeaten start.

Nice vs Le Mans: Pressure on the Hosts

Nice have endured a difficult opening to the 2026/27 Ligue 1 campaign.

They started with a goalless draw against Lorient before suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Paris FC. After two rounds, Nice have collected just one point and are still waiting for their first league goal of the season.

That makes this home fixture against Le Mans particularly important.

Le Mans, however, should not be underestimated. The newly promoted side have already shown plenty of attacking ambition, drawing 2-2 with Brest before narrowly losing 3-2 away to Rennes.

They have scored four goals in their first two Ligue 1 matches, with Louis Mafouta making an impressive start by scoring three times.

Nice also have some squad concerns. Laurent Abergel and Moïse Bombito are unavailable, while Le Mans will be without the suspended Djibril Sidibé.

Playing at the Allianz Riviera should give Nice an advantage, but Le Mans' early attacking form suggests this may be much closer than the difference in reputation between the two clubs suggests.

Prediction: Nice to avoid defeat

Score Tip: Nice 1-1 Le Mans

Alternative Score: Nice 2-1 Le Mans

Angers vs Rennes: Visitors Have the Historical Edge

The second match sees Angers welcome Rennes to the Stade Raymond Kopa.

Angers recovered well from their opening 2-0 defeat against Lille by beating Auxerre 3-1 away from home in Matchday 2.

Rennes, meanwhile, remain unbeaten. They opened their campaign with an impressive 2-2 draw against defending champions PSG before beating Le Mans 3-2.

One player to watch is Estéban Lepaul, who has already scored three league goals this season, including one against PSG and a brace against Le Mans.

Recent head-to-head history also strongly favours Rennes. They are unbeaten in their last six Ligue 1 meetings with Angers, winning five, including a 2-1 victory in their most recent clash in April 2026.

There are some injury concerns on both sides. Angers are dealing with fitness issues involving Haris Belkebla and Louis Mouton, while Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba is currently listed with a muscular problem.

Angers' home advantage should make this competitive, but Rennes have shown greater attacking quality during the opening weeks.

Prediction: Rennes to win

Score Tip: Angers 1-2 Rennes