Le Havre vs PSG Predictions

Le Havre vs PSG Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in Ligue 1. PSG begin their Ligue 1 title defence against Le Havre on Friday. Despite losing Kylian Mbappé, PSG’s quality should be sufficient to overcome a Le Havre side with a poor pre-season. Read on for our free predictions and tips.

La Liga | Aug 16, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at Stade Oceane

Le Havre vs PSG Predictions

How Will PSG’s New Era Begin Against a Stumbling Le Havre?

The upcoming clash between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Le Havre marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Ligue 1 champions as they step into the season without their talisman, Kylian Mbappé. As the Parisians travel to Le Havre for their opening fixture, all eyes will be on how they adjust to life after Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid. This match not only presents an opportunity for PSG to demonstrate their adaptability but also for Le Havre to make an early statement against the reigning champions.

PSG’s Transition and Tactical Setup

PSG are entering this season with several questions looming over their heads, particularly regarding how they will cope without Mbappé, who was instrumental in their title-winning campaign last season. The club’s decision not to splash out on a direct replacement for the French star indicates a shift in their strategy, possibly leaning towards a more collective approach rather than relying on individual brilliance. Manager Luis Enrique has brought in Joao Neves and William Pacho to bolster the squad, but the lack of a marquee signing to replace Mbappé suggests that PSG will need to rely on the existing squad’s cohesion and tactical discipline.

The Parisians are likely to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Gonçalo Ramos expected to lead the line. Ramos, who scored 11 goals last season, will be tasked with filling the enormous void left by Mbappé. He will be supported by Ousmane Dembélé and Marco Asensio, both of whom bring creativity and pace to the wings. In midfield, Vitinha and Kang-in Lee are expected to provide the necessary balance between defence and attack, with Warren Zaïre-Emery playing a deeper, more controlling role. The defence, anchored by Milan Skriniar and Marquinhos, will need to be solid against a Le Havre side that will likely aim to exploit any signs of rustiness in the PSG backline.

Le Havre’s Struggles and Tactical Outlook

Le Havre’s preparations for the new season have been far from ideal. Last season’s finish just above the relegation zone highlighted their struggles, and their pre-season form suggests that these issues may persist. Didier Digard’s side managed only one win from their last six friendly matches, with the most concerning result being a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Bochum. Such a performance raises significant doubts about their ability to compete at the highest level, especially against a team like PSG.

Le Havre are expected to deploy a more conservative 4-4-2 setup, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. Emmanuel Sabbi, who impressed last season, will be crucial in leading the line alongside André Ayew. The midfield, likely consisting of Daler Kuzyaev and Abdoulaye Touré, will need to be industrious and disciplined to prevent PSG from dictating the tempo of the game. However, the defence, featuring Christopher Operi and Arouna Sangante, will face a stern test against PSG’s potent attack. Le Havre’s best hope might lie in frustrating PSG and looking to capitalise on set-pieces or mistakes from their opponents.

Key Areas and Tactical Battles

Midfield Control: The battle in the middle of the park will be decisive in determining the outcome of this match. PSG’s midfield trio of Vitinha, Lee, and Zaïre-Emery will look to dominate possession, using their technical ability to dictate the pace of the game. Le Havre’s midfield, however, will be tasked with breaking up play and launching quick counters. If Le Havre can disrupt PSG’s rhythm and force errors, they might create opportunities to exploit PSG’s high defensive line.

Wing Play: With Dembélé and Asensio likely to start on the wings for PSG, Le Havre’s full-backs will have their hands full. Dembélé’s pace and dribbling ability could stretch Le Havre’s defence, while Asensio’s vision and crossing could create numerous chances for Ramos. On the other hand, Le Havre might look to use Sabbi’s pace on the counter, aiming to catch PSG’s full-backs out of position.

Aerial Duels: Le Havre’s reliance on long balls and set-pieces suggests that aerial duels will be a key aspect of their game plan. Ayew’s experience and physicality will be crucial in these situations, as he looks to bring his teammates into play. PSG’s centre-backs, Skriniar and Marquinhos, will need to be alert and dominant in the air to neutralise this threat.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Both Teams

PSG: The strength of PSG lies in their ability to control games through possession and their attacking depth. Even without Mbappé, the Parisians have enough firepower to trouble most defences, particularly with the likes of Ramos and Dembélé in the lineup. However, their weakness could be their over-reliance on this new-look attack to gel quickly. If the forwards fail to click, PSG could struggle to break down well-organised defences, as seen in some of their pre-season matches.

Le Havre: Le Havre’s primary strength is their potential to frustrate opponents through disciplined defending and counter-attacks. Sabbi’s pace and Ayew’s experience give them options in transition, but their biggest weakness is undoubtedly their defensive frailty. The heavy defeat to Bochum in pre-season exposed their vulnerabilities, and unless they tighten up at the back, they could be in for a long night against PSG.

Managerial Critique

Luis Enrique: Luis Enrique’s arrival at PSG comes with high expectations, but there are already questions about his approach. His decision not to sign a big-name striker to replace Mbappé could backfire if Ramos fails to step up. While Enrique is a seasoned manager with a clear vision, his methods may take time to bear fruit, and patience is not something PSG fans are known for. If the results don’t come quickly, Enrique could find himself under intense scrutiny.

Didier Digard: Didier Digard’s tenure at Le Havre has been marked by inconsistency. While he managed to keep the team in Ligue 1 last season, the lack of progress is concerning. His side’s poor pre-season performances suggest that he has yet to address the underlying issues that plagued them last season. Digard’s tactical inflexibility could be his undoing, especially against top teams like PSG. If Le Havre continues to struggle, questions will surely be asked about his future at the club.

Predictions and Betting Angles

Best Bet: Draw/PSG Half Time/Full Time

Given PSG’s tendency to take time to find their rhythm, especially without Mbappé, a draw at half-time followed by a PSG victory by full-time seems like a sensible bet. Le Havre might manage to hold off the champions in the first half through sheer defensive effort, but PSG’s superior quality should see them through in the end. The half-time draw and full-time PSG win provides a good balance between risk and reward.

Correct Score Prediction: Le Havre 1-3 PSG

Reflecting on both teams’ form and the expected dynamics of the game, a 3-1 win for PSG appears likely. While Le Havre could find the net through a counter-attack or set-piece, PSG’s attacking prowess should see them score multiple times. Ramos, Dembélé, and Asensio all have the ability to break down Le Havre’s defence, and PSG’s defence, despite some question marks, should be solid enough to limit the hosts to just one goal.

Goalscorer Prediction: Gonçalo Ramos to Score Anytime

Ramos is expected to be PSG’s main goal threat in the absence of Mbappé, and he has already shown his scoring ability in pre-season. With the creative support from Dembélé and Asensio, Ramos will likely get several opportunities to score. His positioning and finishing make him a strong candidate to find the back of the net against Le Havre’s shaky defence.

First Half Result Prediction: Draw

Considering PSG’s tendency to start slowly and Le Havre’s likely defensive approach, a draw at half-time is a plausible scenario. Le Havre’s determination to keep PSG at bay, combined with PSG’s need to adjust without Mbappé, could result in a tight and cagey first half, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the interval.

Innovative Market Prediction: PSG Over 6.5 Shots on Target

PSG’s attacking style, even without Mbappé, will likely lead to a high number of shots on target. With players like Dembélé and Asensio who are capable of taking on defenders and creating shooting opportunities, PSG should easily surpass 6.5 shots on target. Le Havre’s defence, which struggled in pre-season, is likely to be tested frequently, and PSG’s accuracy in front of goal could be a key factor in this match.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!

Selected Bookmakers Offers