Le Havre vs Nice

1. Core Players & Star Quality

Le Havre 

• Defensive leaders: Gautier Lloris (2770 mins, 2G, 1A) and Étienne Youté (2320 mins) form a stable back line. 

• Abdoulaye Touré (2331 mins, 10G, 1A) was a standout midfielder but is out with a hamstring injury. 

• Attacking load shared by Soumaré (1905 mins, 5G, 4A) and Casimir (2007 mins, 4G, 3A – but has left). 

• Squad has veterans (Ayew, Desmas, Cabrera) but many left; reliance now shifts to Lepaul (9G, 0A) and opportunistic scorers. 

Nice 

• Attack built around Guessand (2575 mins, 12G, 8A – but has left), Laborde (1840 mins, 11G, 4A – also gone), and creative wide play from Clauss (2312 mins, 3G, 8A). 

• Bard (1942 mins, 2G, 1A) and Boudaoui (2439 mins, 2G, 3A) add midfield balance. 

• Bulka (3060 mins, 34 starts) was a reliable GK but has left; Diouf (34 starts for Reims) is the new No.1. 

• Squad still talented but heavily reshaped after departures. 

2. Departures Impact

Le Havre 

• Key exits: Casimir (2007 mins, 4G, 3A), Ayew (1451 mins, 4G), and multiple keepers (Desmas, Gorgelin) → weakened both attack and goalkeeping stability. 

• Touré’s injury worsens midfield gaps. 

• Lacking experienced forward options, big blow to firepower. 

Nice 

• Guessand (12G, 8A) and Laborde (11G, 4A) departures leave a 23-goal hole in attack. 

• Bulka gone after a full season as starter. 

• Mandanda-like veteran presence missing; transition pressure on Diouf. 

• Squad turnover = loss of chemistry despite individual quality. 

3. New Player Integration

Le Havre 

• Added Namli (1121 mins, 4G, 2A) for midfield creativity. 

• Reinforcements: Samatta (CF, experience), Ndiaye (1056 mins, 1G, 0A), Targhalline (995 mins, rotation). 

• Koka (854 mins, 3G, 1A) is expected to fill goal-scoring gaps left by Ayew and Casimir. 

• Heavy reliance on new GK (Diaw) to stabilize defense. 

Nice 

• Isak Jansson (LB), Ndombélé (1134 mins, 1G, 2A), Bouanani (1094 mins, 3G, 3A) bring depth. 

• Sofiane Diop (1050 mins, 6G, 4A) expected to step up as primary creative force. 

• Mohamed Abdelmonem (856 mins) added for defensive rotation but now long-term injured. 

• Significant gaps still in attack → Cho’s development key when fit. 

4. Assists & Goals Output

Le Havre 

• Lepaul (9G) is the clear leader up front. 

• Soumaré (5G, 4A) and Namli (4G, 2A) provide secondary threat. 

• Beyond these, output is scattered, showing over-reliance on a few. 

Nice 

• Without Guessand + Laborde, goals drop significantly. 

• Sofiane Diop (6G, 4A in 1050 mins) can carry some load if fit. 

• Clauss (8A) and Bouanani (3G, 3A) remain creators but not prolific scorers. 

• Attack less balanced compared to last season. 

5. Substitutes’ Experience & Depth

Le Havre 

• Opéri (1170 mins, 2A) and Joujou (934 mins, 2A) provide rotation on the flanks. 

• Backup forwards (Mambimbi, Sabbi) yet to deliver consistent end product. 

• Defensive cover (Salmier, Zouaoui) experienced but not at elite Ligue 1 level. 

Nice 

• Bench includes Bouanani, Diop (when rotated), Boga (1055 mins, 1G, 1A), and young options like Bernardeau (19). 

• Injury crisis (Bombito, Ndayishimiye, Cho, Dante, Abdelmonem) stretches depth in defense and attack. 

• Sub impact uncertain due to reliance on younger players. 

6. Forecast & Expected Dynamics

1. Le Havre Challenge: Lack of attacking consistency post-Casimir/Ayew exits and Touré’s injury leaves them vulnerable in midfield and goal creation. 

1. Nice Edge: Despite losing Guessand/Laborde, still more dangerous in wide zones and midfield thanks to Clauss, Boudaoui, and Sofiane Diop. 

1. Likely Flow: Nice control possession (55–60%) but without a reliable striker, chance conversion could be an issue. Le Havre to sit deeper, relying on Lepaul and Soumaré counters. 

7. Predicted Strength Balance

• Le Havre: ★★☆☆☆ (Below average) - Solid defensively but weakened spine, reliant on Lepaul/Soumaré for goals. 

• Nice: ★★★★☆ (Strong) - Still competitive with technical midfielders and wide play, but lack of proven striker reduces finishing power. 

Projected Result: Tight contest. Nice win 1–0 or 2–1, leveraging midfield creativity but possibly wasteful without Guessand/Laborde’s clinical edge.