Ligue 1 is back! After a short break and various pre-season tours, the top division in France returns on Friday and although the title looks like an obvious procession back to the capital, it is the excitement that comes below that will keep you tuning in.
Each week, the FFW team will preview the three biggest games of the weekend and then provide you with predictions to help you decide who is going to win each week – by avoiding what we say…
by @Gibney_A
Lille OSC v Paris Saint-Germain: Friday 19:30
The champions begin their quest for a fourth consecutive title against the 2010/11 winners on Friday night. However, it is all change up north this season.
Hervé Renard has taken over from René Girard and Lille have wiped the slate clean in order to try to build upon a five-year plan.
Big names, such as Simon Kjaer, Idrissa Gueye and Nolan Roux have all left. The talented Adama Traoré has moved to Monaco after half a season and the former Sochaux and Cambridge coach will be relying on a mixture of youth and experience to see them finish in the targeted top eight.
Laurent Blanc has added Benjamin Stambouli, Kevin Trapp, and finally, Angel Di Maria this summer, and they are by far the strongest team in France. Even with Zlatan Ibrahimovic missing the opening game with a knee injury, they should have too much for the hosts.
Lille always put in a battling performance, especially when the champions come to the Stade Pierre Mauroy, but as last season’s 6-1 PSG win showed, the clubs are on different planets.
OGC Nice v AS Monaco: Saturday 20:00
What better way to start the season, than by scheduling a derby down on the French Riviera. Both Nice and Monaco have new looks going into the season, but the clubs are playing at different ends of the table.
Although Nice finished in 11th last season, it was more down to the paucity of the teams below them, rather than the quality of les Aiglons. Finishing just 11 points above the drop-zone and six points above Toulouse in 17th means there is huge room for improvement.
Hatem Ben Arfa finally gets to pull on the black and red jersey in a competitive game and his relationship with loanee Valere Germain and last season’s top assister Alassane Plea will determine how far Nice can go.
Starting against one of the favourites is a tough ask, and as Monaco have already played two Champions League qualifiers, they are well up to speed as the season begins. Despite the losses of Geoffrey Kondogbia, Yannick Ferreira Carrasco and Lucas Ocampos, les Monegasques have made some astute signings and already look to have found some cohesion.
A tough start to the season for Claude Puel’s side, and it will be a surprise if his current club avoids defeat to one of his former employers.
Olympique Lyonnais v FC Lorient: Sunday 20:00
Two very interesting teams meet at the Stade Gerland on Sunday evening. Lyon will look to continue where they left off last season, but will have to forget about a dreadful pre-season campaign as the real campaign kicks off.
Hubert Fournier will have to find a way to balance this team through a tough, expectant league season as well as playing in the Champions League – with four weeks of the transfer window remaining, the squad looks thin at the back.
A new contract for Alexandre Lacazette could be exactly what is needed to boost their morale, but it would mean more if new boy Claudio Beauvue could find a quick understanding with last season’s top scorer.
Lorient, quick to replace the outgoing Jordan Ayew, have brought in Majeed Waris and Benjamin Moukandjo to try to mask his departure. Les Merlus have a squad with potential, but it remains to be seen whether they can improve on last campaign’s 16th place finish.
Lyon will be expected to start the season with a victory, but Sylvain Ripoll’s side have a habit of causing opening day shocks.
PREDICTIONS
Rules are simple: One point for correct result, three for correct score.
Please, rephrase that simple rule about the points for predictions.
Hahaha great spot…that’s a good start isn’t it 😉