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.

Diouf, who joined Lens in 2023 from Basel for €14 million, has been on the radar of several top clubs this summer. Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart are keeping close tabs, while Premier League club Crystal Palace are also reportedly interested.

But omo, Napoli don’t come here to play — they’ve already sent a contract offer to the French midfielder and are expected to make direct contact with Lens in the coming days.

Bad Timing for Lens

For Lens, this transfer talk couldn’t come at a worse time. Les Sang et Or begin their Ligue 1 campaign on Sunday against Olympique Lyonnais at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, and losing Diouf now would destabilize their midfield options.

Remember, they already waved goodbye to Neil El-Aynaoui earlier this summer, leaving them short of depth in the middle of the park. Omo this one painful — because Diouf is their third-most expensive signing in club history, and the club had been banking on him finally unlocking his potential this season after two underwhelming years.

The Transfer Battle Ahead

For Diouf, this interest is a huge chance to revive his career. Napoli see him as a promising project to strengthen their midfield, while Leipzig and Stuttgart could give him Bundesliga exposure. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are hoping the lure of the Premier League can swing things in their favor.

But one thing is certain — if Lens are going to let him go, it won’t be cheap. The French side will only accept a convincing offer, especially given how key this season is shaping up for them.

Omo, transfer window no dey dull — this Andy Diouf saga fit still turn into one of the hottest midfield battles of the summer.