As the excitement builds for the upcoming Ligue 1 season, we delve into an in-depth analysis of the key predictions for the 2024/25 campaign. The French top-flight is set for a thrilling season, with Paris Saint-Germain still the overwhelming favourites despite the departure of Kylian Mbappé. However, the battle beneath them is expected to be fiercely competitive, with teams like Marseille, Lyon, and Rennes making significant moves to challenge for honours.
In this article, we’ll explore the best betting opportunities, focusing on potential winners, top finishers, and standout players. To enhance your betting experience, make sure to check out the selected offers available for this season.
Don’t forget to visit our 2024/25 Predictions Hub to find all our outright betting tips on the upcoming football season covering all the major European Leagues.
2024/25 Ligue 1 Season Outright Predictions Hub & Betting Tips
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Can Marseille and Lyon Capitalise on PSG’s Uncertainty? A Closer Look at the 2024/25 Ligue 1 Season
Key Stats
Lyon won 15 of their last 20 matches under Pierre Sage’s management last season.
Alexandre Lacazette scored 46 goals in 64 Ligue 1 appearances since rejoining Lyon.
Marseille invested over £40 million in new signings this summer, bolstering their squad for a top-four challenge.
Ligue 1 Title Race
Marseille’s Rejuvenation Under De Zerbi
Marseille endured a turbulent 2023/24 season, marked by inconsistency and a disappointing eighth-place finish in Ligue 1. The club cycled through four managers, eventually missing out on European football. However, a fresh start is on the horizon as they welcome Roberto De Zerbi to the helm. The Italian manager, known for his impressive spells at Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton, arrives with a reputation for instilling a dynamic style of play and achieving quick turnarounds.
Despite failing to defend their title in the 2020/21 season, Inter made no such mistake in 2023/24. The consistency and quality in their 3-5-2 formation were unmatched, with key players like Lautaro Martinez leading the charge. Their nearest challengers, including AC Milan, Juventus, and Napoli, have all undergone managerial changes in a bid to close the gap. However, the question remains: can anyone truly challenge Inter this season?
This summer, Marseille have been active in the transfer market, investing over £40 million to strengthen their squad. The acquisitions of Ismael Kone, Bamo Meite, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg indicate a clear intent to compete at the top once again. De Zerbi’s ability to swiftly implement his tactical philosophy could see Marseille emerge as serious contenders for a top-four finish, if not higher. Given their recent history of finishing as runners-up, a return to the upper echelons of the table seems plausible under De Zerbi’s guidance.
Lyon’s Resurgence: A Top Three Contender?
Lyon’s previous campaign was a tale of two halves. The club found themselves perilously close to relegation at the midway point of the season, prompting managerial changes with Laurent Blanc and Fabio Grosso both dismissed before November. Pierre Sage, an unheralded figure, stepped in and orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding the team to 15 wins in their final 20 matches and securing a Europa League spot.
This resurgence was driven by the prolific form of Alexandre Lacazette, who netted 19 goals, 16 of which came under Sage’s tenure. With Lacazette leading the line and bolstered by new signings like Moussa Niakhate and Georges Mikautadze, Lyon are poised to challenge for a top-three finish. The momentum from their late-season surge, coupled with the squad’s newfound depth, suggests that Lyon could once again become a force in French football.
Ligue 1: The Race for the Top Four
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Rennes: The Dark Horse for a Top-Four Finish
While Marseille and Lyon are garnering much of the attention, Rennes should not be overlooked. The Brittany-based club finished ninth last season, but with no European distractions this year, they are well-positioned to make a significant push for the top four. Rennes have been shrewd in the transfer market, addressing their defensive vulnerabilities and strengthening their squad under the direction of new sporting director Frédéric Massara.
Rennes’ chances of breaking into the top four are further enhanced by their ability to focus solely on domestic competitions, unlike rivals Lille, Lens, and Nice, who are all involved in European football. The lack of European commitments could prove to be a crucial advantage as the season progresses, particularly during the gruelling winter months. Rennes’ ambition, combined with their solid squad, makes them a viable candidate to upset the established order.
Ligue 1 Relegation Battle
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The Relegation Battle: Le Havre’s Struggles
At the opposite end of the table, the battle for survival is set to be as intense as ever. Le Havre, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, face an uphill task to stay in the top flight. The club has taken a significant gamble by replacing their highly-regarded manager Luka Elsner with Didier Digard, a coach with limited experience at this level.
Le Havre’s summer has been marked by a lack of significant reinforcements, leaving them vulnerable in a highly competitive league. Their failure to strengthen key areas of the squad could prove costly, and with other relegation candidates like Nantes and the newly promoted sides Angers, Auxerre, and St Etienne all vying to avoid the drop, Le Havre could find themselves in serious trouble. The combination of an inexperienced coach and an underwhelming squad suggests that they are one of the prime candidates for relegation this season.
Ligue 1 Top Goalscorer
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Alexandre Lacazette: The Race for the Golden Boot
One of the standout performers in the latter half of last season was Alexandre Lacazette. The Lyon striker found the net 19 times, finishing as the second-highest scorer in Ligue 1, just behind Mbappé. Despite his advancing years, Lacazette has shown no signs of slowing down and remains a crucial figure for Lyon.
Lacazette’s remarkable scoring record since returning to Lyon – 46 goals in 64 Ligue 1 matches – underlines his importance to the team. With Lyon’s summer signings expected to provide additional support in attack, Lacazette is well-positioned to challenge for the top goalscorer accolade. His experience and consistency make him a strong contender to surpass the 20-goal mark, and he could very well end up as Ligue 1’s leading marksman.
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