Predictions for Matchday 1 of Ligue 1, August 15-17
Rennes vs Marseille
Marseille visits Rennes as the runner-up. This prestigious title needs to be not just worn but proven in every match. After a disastrous last season, Rennes is clearly determined to turn things around, but how can they do that without significant reinforcements? Moreover, their friendly matches in the off-season resulted in only one victory. Meanwhile, Olympique had a strong pre-season stretch with six friendly matches, not losing a single one. Roberto De Zerbi's team is well-prepared for the season and shows excellent teamwork. We suggest betting on the visitors to win this match.
Match Prediction for Rennes vs Marseille: visitors to win
Lens vs Lyon
Last season, the opponents showed roughly the same level of football, but Lens fell just short of the European competition zone (8th place), while Lyon made it to the Europa League (6th place). For preparation for the national championship, Lens's coaching staff chose solid mid-table teams from various top leagues: the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1. Pierre Sage's team did not disappoint, losing only one match and demonstrating good scoring ability – 2.28 goals per game. Lyon had a similar story with their friendly matches, averaging 2 goals per match. Considering that in 4 of the last 5 head-to-head encounters, the teams exceeded the total of 2.5 goals, we suggest taking this bet.
Match Prediction for Lens vs Lyon: total over 2.5 goals
Monaco vs Le Havre
The bronze medalists of last season's Ligue 1 host modest Le Havre, who finished only in 15th place. The bookmaker's favorite for this match is obvious – the hosts are not considering any other options besides a victory. Preparing for the season's start, Adi Hütter's team played friendlies with top European teams such as Inter, Ajax, Nottingham Forest, and Torino. Against these opponents, Monaco's play looked very convincing – only one defeat in eight games. Le Havre's opponents in friendly matches were much weaker, as were the results: five matches and not a single victory. Considering all this, we suggest betting on Monaco to win with a handicap of (-1.5).
Match Prediction for Monaco vs Le Havre: home win with a handicap (-1.5)
Nice vs Toulouse
The 4th place holder of last season in Ligue 1 will play at home against Toulouse, who finished in 10th place. The teams approach this match with different results. On one hand, the "Eagles," who performed well in friendly matches but had an unsuccessful run in the Champions League qualification, suffering two defeats against Benfica (0:4 on aggregate). On the other hand, Toulouse, who did not win any of their six friendlies (4 losses and 2 draws). Both clubs are experiencing issues in the attacking lines are weak and score few goals. In six of the last seven head-to-head encounters, the teams have scored fewer than three goals. A logical bet here would be on a total under 2.5.
Match Prediction for Nice vs Toulouse: total under 2.5 goals
Brest vs Lille
Mid-table Ligue 1 team Brest, which finished 9th last season, will host the ambitious Lille, who ended the last championship in 5th place. The "Pirates" performed well in friendly matches before the start of the national championship, not losing a single game (4 wins and 1 draw). An interesting point to note is that playing at home, Brest scored less than away – only two goals in two matches. Lille had a rollercoaster preseason: 3 wins and 3 losses. In three away matches, the "Dogs" scored five goals. In the last four head-to-head encounters on Brest's field, the opponents scored 2 or fewer goals. Considering this statistic and the current results of the teams, we suggest betting on a total under 2.5.
Match Prediction for Brest vs Lille: total under 2.5 goals
Angers vs Paris
One of last season's Ligue 1 underdogs, Angers, will play at home against Paris, which has been promoted to the elite from Ligue 2. Both teams had an excellent preparatory stage for the national championship, losing only one match out of six. Despite the fact that the capital club played in a lower division, they are quite comparable in strength to Angers, which only scored 36 points in the last French championship. In the last head-to-head encounter, the opponents scored 4 goals. At the start of the season, they have nothing to lose and must win against an equal opponent. We see this as a great motivation for an attacking style of play and a high number of goals. We suggest betting on a total over 2.5.
Match Prediction for Angers vs Paris: total over 2.5 goals
Auxerre vs Lorient
Last season's Ligue 2 winner Lorient will visit the mid-table top division team Auxerre. Preparing for the French championship, Auxerre played a series of friendly matches, winning only against weaker opponents (Orleans and Clermont) and losing to stronger ones (Levante and Ipswich). On their home field in three matches, the "Burgundians" scored only 2 goals. Lorient had a decent offseason with only one lost match. Their away performance resulted in 5 goals in three matches. The last head-to-head duel between these teams in 2023 ended with a minimal victory for Auxerre (1:0). Considering that the opponents have scored few goals in recent matches, we suggest betting on a total under 2.5.
Match Prediction for Auxerre vs Lorient: total under 2.5 goals
Metz vs Strasbourg
Having made it through the playoff qualifiers to Ligue 1, Metz will play against Strasbourg, a solid mid-table team from last season, which finished 7th in the French championship.For the "Messins," the preparation phase for the start of Ligue 1 was going well until they played against Hoffenheim, conceding 8 unanswered goals. This match revealed the true capabilities of Metz's defense. Meanwhile, Strasbourg concluded the off-season with a victory over Sturm (3:2) and a draw with Mainz (0:0). In the last five head-to-head encounters between these opponents, only Strasbourg has emerged victorious, which is why we suggest placing a bet on their win.
Match Prediction for Metz vs Strasbourg: visitors to win
Nantes vs PSG
Modest Nantes, who finished only 13th in the last French championship, will host Paris Saint-Germain on their home turf. The "Canaries" approach this match with a series of four defeats in friendly matches. On the contrary, PSG players are in high spirits, having recently won the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham, coming back from 0:2. Riding this wave of enthusiasm, Luis Enrique's team can defeat anyone. We believe there will be no intrigue in the upcoming match, and PSG will confidently win the game.
