Ligue 1 September 12 Preview: Rennes vs Marseille & Strasbourg vs Monaco | Predictions and Score Tips

Ligue 1 Matchday 4 brings two exciting fixtures for Indian football fans on September 12. Rennes host Marseille at Roazhon Park, while league leaders Monaco travel to face an in-form Strasbourg side.

Rennes enter the weekend unbeaten, while Marseille are looking to recover from back-to-back defeats. Monaco, meanwhile, have made a perfect start with three wins from three, but Strasbourg's recent attacking form makes their trip to Alsace a serious test.

Rennes vs Marseille: Can OM End Their Losing Run?

Rennes have made an impressive start to the 2026/27 Ligue 1 season.

They have collected seven points from their opening three matches, starting with a 2-2 draw against PSG before recording consecutive victories over Le Mans and Angers.

Their latest result was a 2-1 away win over Angers, keeping them unbeaten heading into Matchday 4.

Estéban Lepaul has been one of Rennes' main attacking threats with three league goals so far, and his battle with Marseille forward Amine Gouiri could be one of the key storylines of the match.

Marseille arrive under much greater pressure.

After opening their campaign with a convincing 4-0 win, OM have suffered two consecutive Ligue 1 defeats, including a 3-2 home loss against Paris FC.

Their away record is another concern. Ligue 1's official preview notes that Marseille have lost six of their last eight away matches in the French top flight, while Rennes have won four of their last six home meetings with OM.

Marseille still have enough attacking quality to make this competitive, but Rennes' current form and home advantage give them a slight edge.

Prediction: Rennes to avoid defeat

Score Tip: Rennes 2-1 Marseille

Alternative Score: Rennes 2-2 Marseille

Strasbourg vs Monaco: Best Attack Meets Top Defence

The second fixture could be one of the most entertaining games of the Ligue 1 weekend.

Strasbourg suffered a heavy defeat on the opening day but have responded brilliantly with two consecutive victories and eight goals scored across those matches.

Their latest performance was particularly impressive, with Strasbourg producing a 6-2 away victory over Troyes.

Monaco, however, have been even better.

Filipe Luís' side have won all three Ligue 1 matches, collecting nine points and moving to the top of the table. They have already beaten Marseille 2-0 and defending champions PSG 2-1, while conceding just one goal in their opening three fixtures.

That sets up a fascinating tactical battle: Strasbourg's high-scoring attack against Monaco's outstanding defence.

Recent history slightly favours Monaco. Strasbourg won a remarkable 5-4 thriller in their last home meeting, but that remains their only victory against Monaco in the last eight meetings. Monaco had won their previous three away trips to Strasbourg.

With both teams in strong form, this should be close. However, Monaco's balance between attack and defence makes them the more reliable pick.

Prediction: Monaco to avoid defeat, away win preferred

Score Tip: Strasbourg 1-2 Monaco

Alternative Score: Strasbourg 1-1 Monaco

Final Predictions

Rennes 2-1 Marseille

Strasbourg 1-2 Monaco

Final Verdict: Rennes' unbeaten start and Marseille's recent away struggles make the hosts a strong option in the first fixture. In the second match, Strasbourg are dangerous going forward, but Monaco's perfect three-game start and excellent defensive record give the league leaders a narrow advantage.