It’s early days in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season, and Paris Saint-Germain have dominated both Le Havre and Montpellier HSC, but as we’ve seen in the past, it’s not how you start, it’s about how you finish.
After matchday two, PSG leads Ligue 1 with six points and a goal difference of 9. Lille OSC, AS Monaco, and RC Lens are level on points with them, and two of those clubs have won the title over PSG since the Qatar Sports Investments takeover in 2011. So, it’s not impossible that one of those clubs could do it again, especially without Kylian Mbappé leading the PSG attack.
Who are the contenders?
AS Monaco
Just like casinos.com is known for the best casino sites, Monaco is known for its casinos and outstanding football. While the principality club hasn’t won the Ligue 1 title since Mbappé was suiting up for them, they have plenty of young star power. Breel Embolo and Folarin Balogun are two top strikers, and in the midfield, Maghnes Akliouche promises to be one to watch this season as PSG was interested in signing him this summer. Defensively, Wilfried Singo gave PSG all kinds of fits last season. Adi Hütter’s squad is balanced and has a great mix of youth and experience. I expect them to challenge PSG this season.
Olympique de Marseille
As much as I hate to say it, Marseille could challenge PSG this season. They’ve added Elye Wahi and Mason Greenwood to their squad this summer to help increase their goal output. I also really like the addition of Canada international, Ismaël Koné from Watford FC. We know Marseille’s stadium is always challenging to play in and I think their crowd will propel them at times this season. Roberto De Zerbi’s squad recently settled for a draw against Stade de Reims, but I expect them to get stronger throughout the season. Le Classique should be very interesting this season.
RC Lens
In the 2022-23 season, PSG won Ligue 1 over Lens by a single point. This season, I expect Will Still’s squad to be in the race all season and to push PSG to earn the title. Kevin Danso anchors their defense, and he’s a player I really like. Brice Samba is the captain of the club and the goalkeeper is one of the best in France. Newcomer Anass Zaroury arrives from Burnley FC with hopes of envigorating the Lens attack.
Stade Rennais
Julien Stéphan is one manager who seems to know how to beat PSG and he may have the squad to do it this season. Former PSG player, Arnaud Kalimuendo leads the attack and newcomer Carlos Gómoz from Major League Soccer will add pace on the wing. Amine Gouiri and Ludovic Blas add additional quality on the wing and Benjamin Bourigeaud should hold down the midfield. In defense, Adrien Truffert should continue to prove why he’s one of the best left-backs in Ligue 1.
