Before the Round – Trends on France Ligue 1 (12-13/08)

14/08/23 2489

Ligue 1 will start on Friday night. The weekend’s matches will unfold across three days.

Тhe new-look 18-team Ligue 1 sees Paris Saint-Germain aim for another title.

Olympique de Marseille - Stade de Reims

Marseille went unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions versus Stade de Reims. Olympique finished third last season thanks to a three-match losing streak to end the campaign. Marseille did the Ligue 1 double over Reims last season with a 4-1 win and a 2-1 win, respectively.

Reims had a strong season under manager Will Still. The manager took over midway through the season and steered Reims to a midtable finish. The 30-year-old manager led Reims to a 4W-9D-6L away record in 2022-23.

Marseille took 34 points from 19 matches at home. OM scored the fifth-most goals, with 67 last term. The team had a strong defence a season ago, conceding 40 times, the fourth-fewest goals.

• We have seen 3 consecutive defeats in the most recent games in Ligue 1 of Olympique Marseille.
• Stade Reims's latest record consists of 4 straight away losses in Ligue 1.
• Olympique Marseille have a good record of 5 undefeated games of their last 6 home encounters in Ligue 1.
• Stade Reims are on a poor run of just 3 wins in 16 away matches (Ligue 1).
• Prediction: Olympique Marseille

Paris Saint-Germain – Lorient

Paris Saint-Germain have experienced plenty of turmoil this offseason. The Parisians are still trying to offload Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Lorient went to the Parc des Princes last season and won 3-1. Paris had the title wrapped up by that point, however.

Lorient won two matches and drew one match against Paris Saint-Germain in their last five head-to-head matches. The teams had three red cards in their last six fixtures. After a strong start to last season, Lorient finished 10th after a dip around Christmas. They took 24 points on the road.

Paris Saint-Germain recorded 85 points a season ago thanks to a record of 27W-4D-L. The team scored 89 goals and conceded 40 times. Paris were only the fourth-best Ligue 1 team at home, however. They took 41 points from 19 fixtures.

• The team of Paris St. Germain managed to score at least one goal in all their last 9 matches in Ligue 1.
• Both teams have scored in 5 of Lorient's last 6 games in Ligue 1.
• Paris St. Germain's last 4 home games in Ligue 1 have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored.
• There have been over 2.5 goals in 5 of Lorient's last 6 fixtures in all competitions.
• Prediction: PSG

Stade Brestois – Lens

Stade Brestois and Lens divided their last six matches into two wins, two draws, and two losses. Lens were brilliant last season, finishing second and qualifying for the Champions League. The Gold and Blood Red took four points from six against Brest in 2022-23.

Lens have seen some turnover in the offseason. Lois Openda was sold to RB Leipzig and captain Seko Fofana was sold to Al Nassr. Lens had a fantastic record of 25W-9D-4L and a goal difference of +39 last season. Can they follow it up this time around?

Brest finished 14th last season, finishing nine points ahead of the relegation zone. The Pirates will likely fight relegation this season, especially with 18 teams in Ligue 1 as opposed to 20. Brest had a record of 7W-5D-7L last season.

• Stade Brestois have a good record of 9 undefeated games of their last 11 encounters in Ligue 1.
• The team of RC Lens have achieved 7 straight wins in Ligue 1.
• Stade Brestois have scored 1 or more goals in their last 10 home Ligue 1 games in a row.
• RC Lens have won all of their last 3 league matches by margin of 2+ goals.
• Prediction: Both Teams to Score