Paris Saint-Germain kick off their 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign against Le Havre, marking the beginning of a new era without Kylian Mbappe. After securing their third consecutive Ligue 1 title last season, PSG will look to assert their dominance once again, while Le Havre aim to survive another season in the top flight under new management.
Match Preview
Le Havre
Le Havre Recent Form
Le Havre narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 15th with just three points clear of the drop zone.
Their pre-season form has been mixed, with two draws followed by three losses, indicating a need for urgent improvement as they face the reigning champions.
Le Havre Injury News
Le Havre will be without forward Andy Logbo, who continues to recover from a cruciate ligament tear.
However, newly signed Yanis Zouaoui is expected to start at left-back, alongside Gautier Lloris, Etienne Youte Kinkoue, and Arouna Sangante in a defence that will be going up against the firepower of the reigning French Champions.
Paris Saint-Germain
PSG Recent Form
PSG also had a mixed pre-season with two draws and no wins in their last outings.
Despite the departure of Mbappe, they remain a formidable force, having been the best attacking team in Ligue 1 last season with 81 goals.
PSG Injury News
PSG may be without Lucas Beraldo, Presnel Kimpembe, and Nordi Mukiele due to injury concerns. New signing Willian Pacho could make his competitive debut, either at centre-back or left-back.
Players To Watch
Le Havre Player To Watch
Daler Kuzyaev: The midfielder will be key in both defence and attack as Le Havre seek to disrupt PSG’s rhythm and potentially snatch a shock point at home.
PSG Player To Watch
Randal Kolo Muani: With Mbappe gone, Kolo Muani will be expected to step up as the main attacking threat for PSG, and the side will be looking for him to start the season with a strong performance at the heart of the attack.
Prediction
Even without Mbappe, PSG’s firepower should be too much for Le Havre to handle and I'm thinking that at least a 3-0 victory for PSG seems likely.
My Prediction: Le Havre 0 - 3 PSG
Betting Angle
SkyBet are offering 4/11 for PSG to win compared to 6/1 for Le Harve to get the 3 points, showing just how far apart these two sides are in quality.
