It would be no exaggeration to say that Ligue 1 was one of the most exciting leagues last season, and this season is expected to be even more extraordinary.
Saturday’s fixtures kick off with the early match between Lens and Auxerre, which will be followed by no fewer than four matches taking place simultaneously.
Keep reading below for our expert tips and predictions for all Ligue 1 matches.
Today’s Ligue 1 betting tips & predictions
Lens vs. Auxerre (4:15pm)
Lens achieved something incredible with their victory over PSG last week, despite the red card and despite years without a win against the Parisians.
They now kick off the new season against one of their favourite opponents, given that they’ve won seven of their last 10 matches against Auxerre and lost just one.
The visitors finished last season strongly and haven’t played badly in their pre-season friendlies either, but in my opinion, Lens are on a completely different level and are currently riding a wave of form.
Lens vs. Auxerre top betting tip: Lens to win
Le Mans vs. Brest (7:45pm)
Le Mans are back in the top flight following a phenomenal campaign, a full 16 years after their last Ligue 1 match.
Brest have made significant changes and will be looking to improve after their absolutely dreadful season. However, they didn’t look at all convincing in pre-season, which gives Le Mans the chance to get off to a winning start.
Last season, Le Mans conceded just eight goals in 17 home games, and I reckon there’s a good chance we’ll see a 1-0 result.
Le Mans vs. Brest top betting tip: Under 2.5 goals, Le Mans to win
Nice vs. Lorient (7:45pm)
Nice and Lorient played three incredible matches against each other last season, including the cup tie, which Nice won on penalties.
The Eaglets will be hoping for a much better campaign after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Lorient were far more successful, but their pre-season preparations have revealed serious defensive problems.
I expect to see a high-scoring fixture, as is usually the case between these two sides. Seven of their last 10 meetings have ended with both teams scoring.
Nice vs. Lorient top betting tip: BTTS
Toulouse vs. Lyon (7:45pm)
Toulouse have made a major change following another poor season and a mid-table finish, and will be counting on Jens Berthel Askou to lift them higher up the table.
Lyon are in the thick of their Champions League qualifiers and face a very tough second leg against Fenerbahce, which could affect their performance in Ligue 1.
However, this also means that the Kids will be in far better form after having already played three serious matches, whilst Toulouse are only just finding their rhythm. I’m not going to take a risk on a winner, but I expect to see at least a few goals scored given all the circumstances.
Toulouse vs. Lyon top betting tip: BTTS
Troyes vs. Paris FC (7:45pm)
Troyes and Paris FC know each other all too well from the many years they have spent together in Ligue 2, and now they are facing each other right at the start of the new season, after the hosts secured another promotion to the top flight.
It’s quite difficult to draw any conclusions about the form of these two teams in particular, as they’re coming off the back of different seasons. What I noticed from their pre-season matches in recent weeks was the high number of goals.
Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of high-scoring thrillers between these rivals, and it’s entirely logical to expect the same right at the start of the season, when both sides will be highly motivated.
Troyes vs. Paris FC top betting tip: BTTS
Vladislav has been professionally engaged in freelance journalism for seven years and has worked with numerous leading sports publications. A football and martial arts fanatic, he spent years training in both disciplines before turning to writing.
GambleAware