The wait is over — Ligue 1 is back! This weekend, French football fans will finally get their fix as the 2025/26 season kicks off. And omo, the opening round already dey hot with plenty of juicy fixtures.
The standout game? Stade Rennais vs Olympique de Marseille on Friday night.
Rennes vs Marseille: Clash of New Faces
Last season, Marseille looked way ahead of Rennes in terms of quality. But this year? Things look different. Rennes have quietly built a stronger squad, signing two players directly from Marseille — Valentin Rongier (who now even captains them) and Quentin Merlin, who adds pace and creativity down the left. Add in the youthful energy of Jérémy Jacquet, Djaoui Cissé, and Mohamed Kader Meïté, and omo, this Rennes midfield no be beans.
But hold on — Marseille themselves have gone shopping too. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returns after a hot scoring debut campaign, while Timothy Weah, Facundo Medina, Angel Gomes, and Igor Paixão all joined the squad. With Aubameyang and Mason Greenwood both scoring in pre-season, OM’s attack looks sharp.
👉 Prediction vibes: Marseille strikers too hot right now, but Rennes will fight.
- Raphaël predicts: Rennes 1-2 Marseille
- Luke predicts: Rennes 1-3 Marseille
- Bastien predicts: Rennes 0-2 Marseille
Omo, nobody give Rennes the win.
Other Key Predictions
- Lens vs Lyon – A tough opener for Lens as Lyon arrive. Raphaël sees goals: 2-2, while Luke and Bastien think it’ll be tighter at 1-1.
- Monaco vs Le Havre – All three back Monaco for a comfortable win.
- Nantes vs PSG – Expect goals. Raphaël predicts 1-4, while Luke and Bastien keep it closer at 1-2.
- Brest vs Lille – Could be a draw or narrow Lille win.
Omo, this season prediction battle go sweet — three points for exact scores, two points for difference, one point for just the result. Everybody currently on zero, so bragging rights dey up for grabs.
Napoli Join Race for Andy Diouf
Away from predictions, transfer drama dey hot too. According to Foot Mercato, SSC Napoli have stepped up in the race to sign Andy Diouf, the 22-year-old midfielder at RC Lens.
Napoli reportedly sent a contract offer already and will soon contact Lens directly. But they’re not alone — RB Leipzig, VfB Stuttgart, and Crystal Palace also dey hover around the France youth international.
Bad timing for Lens though, omo this one painful. Their season opener against Lyon is this Sunday, and they already lost Neil El-Aynaoui earlier this summer. Losing Diouf now would leave their midfield dangerously thin.
Lens signed him for €14m in 2023, their third-most expensive transfer ever, and had hoped this season would finally be his breakthrough after two underwhelming years. For Lens to even consider selling, the offer has to be very convincing.
Omo, Diouf’s saga might just be the midfield transfer battle of the summer.
