Le Mans vs Lorient Preview: Team News & Prediction

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After 15 years away, Le Mans have begun their return to Ligue 1 relatively steadily as they welcome Lorient to Stade Marie-Marvingt on Saturday.

Kick-off date/time: 19 September 2026 at 7:45 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – beIN Sports

How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1+ / USA – beIN Sports Connect

Le Mans preview: Steady start

Following their promotion to the top-flight of French football, Le Mans have started the 2026-27 campaign with three draws and one defeat with that one defeat a narrow one away from home against a strong Stade Rennais side at Roazhon Park.

Le Mans most recently shared an entertaining 2-2 draw with last season’s runners-up Lens last weekend in a game in which they had gone 2-0 up before Lens fought back either side of half-time.

Lorient preview: Pushing for Europe

Lorient gained promotion to Ligue 1 in the 2024-25 campaign and finished comfortably in mid-table last year with the ambition to push for Europe this season as a part of the Black Knight Group and the replacing of Olivier Pantaloni with Alexandre Dujeux.

In their opening four games, Lorient have collected five points as they head into this one on the back of, like Le Mans, also going 2-0 up just before half-time before Toulouse fought back to share a 2-2 draw at Stade du Moustoir.

Le Mans team news: Fresh doubt

Le Mans do have a fresh injury doubt for this weekend as versatile defender Lucas Buades is potentially sidelined for the hosts as Lorient make the trip.

Predicted XI (3-1-4-2): Hatfout; Boisse, Yohou, Voyer; Bretelle; Bamba, Bourabaa, Vercruysse, Calodat; Mafouta, Gueye

Unavailable: 

Questionable: Buades (Injured)

Lorient team news: Fadiga out

Lorient head to Le Mans with no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues with only midfielder Bandiougou Fadiga remaining sidelined for the visitors.

Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Mvogo; Sylla, Talbi, Adjei; Kasteris, Cadiou, Mbamba, Kouassi; Bernardeau, Makengo; Balde

Unavailable: Fadiga (Injured)

Questionable: 

Le Mans vs Lorient prediction

Under the management of Patrick Videira, Le Mans have been exceptionally impressive so far this season in terms of their fight with a feeling that a victory is just around the corner. Lorient haven’t been as impressive or as improved as they would have liked after the change in management and evolution of their ambition, so siding with Le Mans is the way to go for this one on Saturday.

Le Mans vs Lorient tip: Double chance – Le Mans to win or draw