Saturday's Ligue 1 predictions and previews including Lens vs. Auxerre

Today's Ligue 1 predictions include a clash between Lens and Auxerre, and a trip to Toulouse for Lyon.

Lens vs. Auxerre (Saturday, 4.15pm)

RC Lens welcome AJ Auxerre to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday afternoon for the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season.

In their previous outing, Les Sang et Or claimed a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain to lift the French Super Cup, while Les Bleus et Blancs rounded off their pre-season fixtures by beating Werder Bremen in north-Germany.

We say: Lens 3-1 Auxerre

Entering the season in fine form, Lens will be confident of getting their Ligue 1 campaign underway with victory at the Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps on Saturday afternoon.

Although Auxerre have enjoyed a positive pre-season and recently claimed victory on their travels to Les Sang et Or, we think it is difficult to see them getting a result on the opening weekend.

> Click here to read our full preview for Lens vs. Auxerre, including team news and predicted lineups

Le Mans vs. Brest (Saturday, 7.45pm)

For the first time in over 15 years, Le Mans are in Ligue 1 and will open the new campaign on Saturday at home to Brest at Stade Marie-Marvingt.

A second-place finish in Ligue 2 last season lifted Les Mucistes into this competition, while Stade Brestois are back for an eighth successive top flight campaign, after ending last season in 12th.

We say: Le Mans 1-1 Brest

This may be new territory for Le Mans, but they have some notable experience and balance that should help them earn a point in their opener.

> Click here to read our full preview for Le Mans vs. Brest, including team news and predicted lineups

Troyes vs. Paris FC (Saturday, 7.45pm)

Playing in their first Ligue 1 match since 2023, Troyes will host Paris FC on Saturday at Stade de l’Aube in the Grand Est region of France.

ESTAC returned to the top flight after finishing first in Ligue 2 last season, while Paris were 11th in Ligue 1 over the last campaign.

We say: Troyes 0-2 Paris FC

Paris FC did a nice job replenishing their squad with proven, experienced attacking talent, and that should serve them well against a side like Troyes, eager to prove a point, but who might need some time to adjust to top-flight football.

> Click here to read our full preview for Troyes vs. Paris FC, including team news and predicted lineups

Toulouse vs. Lyon (Saturday, 7.45pm)

Toulouse begin a new managerial era against a Lyon side already several matches into their season when the two teams meet at the Stadium de Toulouse on Saturday evening for the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Ligue 1 campaign.

Jens Berthel Askou takes charge of his first competitive game in France after replacing Carles Martinez Novell, while Paulo Fonseca's visitors arrive on the back of a Champions League playoff first leg, having drawn away at Fenerbahce in midweek.

We say: Toulouse 1-2 Lyon

Toulouse's summer upheaval and missing personnel make this an awkward starting point for Askou's tenure, particularly against opponents who already have three competitive fixtures under their belts.

However, given the hosts' excellent recent record in season openers and at home, alongside Lyon's potential fatigue after a taxing week in Turkey, a narrow margin feels more likely than a comfortable victory for the visitors.

> Click here to read our full preview for Toulouse vs. Lyon, including team news and predicted lineups

Nice vs. Lorient (Saturday, 7.45pm)

Two teams who went through very different 2025-26 seasons will begin their new Ligue 1 campaigns on Saturday as Nice welcome Lorient to Allianz Riviera on matchday one.

Nice survived relegation last season by defeating Saint-Etienne in a two-leg playoff, while Lorient wound up in 10th.

We say: Nice 1-0 Lorient

Last season should serve as a wake-up call for Nice, who played well below their capabilities, but with a new boss and numerous players returning from knocks, we expect to see more determination from them on matchday one.

> Click here to read our full preview for Nice vs. Lorient, including team news and predicted lineups