The Matchday 1 clash in Ligue 1 between Monaco and Le Havre will take place on August 16 at the Louis II Stadium in Fontvieille. Monaco vs. Le Havre: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Monaco
The club from the principality finished in 3rd place in the last French championship after securing 2nd place in the 2023/24 season. Interestingly, in the last 5 editions of the tournament, the Monegasques have finished third 3 times. In the previous Ligue 1 season, Monaco was characteristically prolific, scoring 63 goals. Thus, the team has surpassed the 60-goal mark for five consecutive French championships. Notably, the Monegasques were the second-best home team last season in Ligue 1, behind PSG, remaining unbeaten in 15 out of 17 matches (12 wins, 3 draws), with a goal difference of 38:16. Over the summer, Monaco played 8 friendly matches, losing only the last one to Inter with a score of 1-2, while securing 5 wins and 2 draws.
During the off-season, the club made several high-profile signings, including Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati. Additionally, goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký and defender Eric Dier joined the team. Importantly, the club retained its key players and did not suffer significant losses in the squad.
- No more than 3 goals have been scored in 10 of the team's last 12 Ligue 1 matches.
- Monaco has won 7 of their last 8 home matches in this tournament (1 draw).
- The Monegasques have scored at least twice in 10 of their last 11 home games in the championship.
Predicted lineup for Monaco (4-4-2)
Lukáš Hrádecký – Caio Henrique, Thilo Kehrer, Wilfried Singo, Vanderson – Eliesse Ben Seghir, Lamine Camara, Denis Zakaria, Maghnes Akliouche – Georges Ilenikhena, Mika Biereth.
New signings Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati are not yet ready to take the field. Forward Folarin Balogun's participation in the match is doubtful due to injury. Midfielder Soungoutou Magassa is suspended.
Le Havre
Since their return to Ligue 1, the team has finished in 15th place in the table for two consecutive seasons. Notably, in the last tournament, Le Havre's defensive performance deteriorated significantly. While the club conceded only 45 goals in the 2023/24 season, they allowed 71 goals in the previous French championship. Only the relegated Montpellier (79) and Saint-Étienne (77) conceded more. It is also important to note that Le Havre earned most of their points away from home – 23 out of 34, ranking 6th among the best away teams in the tournament, while being the worst among home teams. During the off-season, the club played only 5 friendly matches, failing to win any (2 draws, 3 losses) and scoring just one goal in these games.
Le Havre did not make any notable signings during the off-season. The incoming players include defenders Thomas Delaine, Ayumu Seko, and forward Younes Namli. Key departures include goalkeepers Mathieu Gorgelin, Arthur Desmas, midfielder Daler Kuzyaev, and forwards Antoine Jozue, Josué Casimir, and André Ayew.
- Le Havre's goal-scoring streak in the French championship spans 15 matches.
- Both teams scored in the club's last 6 Ligue 1 matches.
- The team has not lost in 7 of their last 9 away matches in the elite French division (5 wins, 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Le Havre (5-3-2)
Mory Diaw – Aruna Sangante, Yanis Zouaoui, Thomas Delaine, Gautier Lloris, Ayumu Seko – Simon Ebou, Yassine Kechta, Rassoul Ndiaye – Issa Soumaré, Younes Namli.
Defenders Loïc Négo and Aliou Thiaré will not play due to suspension.
Referee
Ruddy Buquet (France)
Matches – 17 (Ligue 1, 2023/24);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 61;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 8;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 24%.
Monaco vs. Le Havre: Match Prediction
One of the leading teams in recent years of the French championship will host a tournament outsider. Since their return, Le Havre has been consistently fighting for survival in Ligue 1. I see no intrigue regarding the outcome of the upcoming match; Monaco is very strong at home, having won 7 of their last 8 matches in the French championship, keeping clean sheets in the last 3. The club has only strengthened, significantly enhancing their squad during the summer transfer window. The same cannot be said for Le Havre, which lost many key players without making significant reinforcements.
I do not think that Le Havre's successful away performance at the end of last season will help them against such a strong opponent. Having lost many players, Le Havre looked frankly weak in friendly matches. In the previous French championship, the Monegasques confidently defeated their upcoming opponent with a score of 3-1. I expect the hosts to secure 3 points in the upcoming match, scoring at least twice. Considering their prolific home performances in Ligue 1, where they have scored at least twice in 10 of their last 11 matches.
Therefore, my prediction is: Monaco to win and individual total over 1.5 goals
