Ligue 1 August 23 Preview: Angers vs Lille & Le Havre vs Monaco | Predictions and Score Tips
The opening weekend of the 2026/27 Ligue 1 season continues with two interesting fixtures as Lille travel to face Angers, while Monaco begin their campaign away against Le Havre.
Both Lille and Monaco enter their matches as the stronger sides on paper, but starting the season away from home could make these contests more competitive than expected.
Angers vs Lille: Visitors Target a Winning Start
Lille head into the new season after finishing third in Ligue 1 last term and securing direct qualification for the Champions League League Phase.
There has been an important change on the touchline, with Davide Ancelotti taking charge of the club ahead of the new campaign.
Against Angers, Lille should look to control possession and use their technical quality in midfield to dictate the tempo.
Angers are likely to take a more cautious approach. With home advantage on their side, they could defend in numbers and look to threaten Lille through quick counter-attacks.
The opening round always carries some uncertainty, but Lille's overall quality gives them the edge.
Prediction: Lille to win
Score Tip: Angers 1-2 Lille
Le Havre vs Monaco: First Test for Filipe Luís
Monaco also begin their campaign on the road with a trip to Le Havre.
The visitors are entering a new era under former Brazil international Filipe Luís, who has taken over after Monaco finished a disappointing seventh last season.
Monaco possess greater attacking quality and should have more options in the final third. Their ability to move the ball quickly and exploit space could become the key difference.
Le Havre, however, will hope to make the most of home advantage. A compact defensive setup and quick transitions may offer their best route to troubling Monaco.
Despite the potential risks of an opening-day away fixture, Monaco remain the stronger pick.
Prediction: Monaco to win
Score Tip: Le Havre 1-2 Monaco
Final Verdict