The predictions game is back. The stakes feel a little higher this time.
GFFN editor-in-chief Luke Entwistle and sub-editor Bastien Cheval resume their Ligue 1 duel for the 2026/27 season, and the scoreboard already leans heavily one way. Luke has raced into an early lead with 15 points, leaving Bastien trailing on 8. The rules are simple but ruthless: three points for a perfect scoreline, two for the right goal difference, one for getting the result only. Over 34 matchdays, that adds up to bragging rights.
This year, there’s a twist. Guests will be joining the contest, adding fresh eyes and extra pressure. But the main storyline, for now, is a familiar one: can Bastien claw his way back, or is Luke already disappearing over the horizon?
Game of the week: Strasbourg’s fire vs Monaco’s iron
All eyes turn to the Meinau on Saturday afternoon. RC Strasbourg Alsace against AS Monaco, 16:15 (UK). On paper, it’s a clash of extremes. On the pitch, it looks like a test of who blinks first.
Monaco arrive in Alsace in irresistible form. Since Filipe Luís took over, Les Monégasques have been flawless: five games, five wins. The headline result came last week, when they went to the Parc des Princes and beat Paris Saint-Germain in their own backyard. That victory didn’t just send a message; it underlined Monaco’s transformation into the most watertight side in the division. No one defends better right now.
They will need every ounce of that discipline. Waiting for them is the most prolific attack in Ligue 1.
Strasbourg are flying. Le Racing smashed six past ESTAC Troyes last weekend, a statement win that showcased their attacking depth and confidence. The week before, they edged RC Lens 2-1 at the Meinau, proof that this isn’t just flat-track bullying. They can hurt the league’s heavyweights.
The matchup is beautifully poised: the best defence against the most dangerous frontline. Something has to give.
Monaco do have a problem to solve. Mamadou Coulibaly has been ruled out with a quadriceps injury, a significant blow to a side that has thrived on continuity under Luís. The Brazilian coach has barely touched his starting XI during this perfect run, but now he must make at least one change and hope the balance holds.
Strasbourg, by contrast, are steady. No new absentees, no surprise returns. Just the same group that has been scoring freely and feeding off the energy of a home crowd that senses something building.
Both Luke and Bastien see goals and jeopardy. Both land on the same call: Strasbourg 2-2 Monaco.
Luke’s Ligue 1 predictions
Luke, the early leader, goes bold again:
- Rennes 3-1 Marseille
- Strasbourg 2-2 Monaco
- Le Havre 1-0 Angers
- Auxerre 0-1 Nice
- Lorient 0-2 Toulouse
- Paris FC 2-1 Lyon
- Lille 3-0 Troyes
- Le Mans 1-1 Lens
- Brest 0-2 PSG
There’s a clear pattern in his card: trust in home strength at Rennes, Lille and Paris FC, and faith that PSG will respond to last week’s setback with a controlled away win in Brest.
Bastien’s predictions
Chasing the game, Bastien tweaks the margins rather than tearing up the script:
- Rennes 3-1 Marseille
- Strasbourg 2-2 Monaco
- Auxerre 0-1 Nice
- Le Havre 1-1 Angers
- Lorient 1-0 Toulouse
- Paris FC 2-1 Lyon
- Lille 1-0 Troyes
- Le Mans 2-1 Lens
- Brest 0-2 PSG
He mirrors Luke on several key calls — Rennes, Strasbourg, Auxerre, Paris FC, Brest — but looks for his comeback in the details: tighter wins for Lille and Lorient, and a more ambitious shout with Le Mans to beat Lens.
The margins are slim. One late goal here, one missed chance there, and the table between the two editors could look very different by Sunday night.
