Le Havre vs Monaco Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Le Havre are once again preparing for a Ligue 1 campaign as they now welcome a potentially exciting Monaco side to Stade Oceane on the opening day.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1+ / USA – beIN Sports Connect
Le Havre preview: Set to struggle again
Former Middlesbrough midfielder Didier Digard has led Le Havre to survival in each of the last three seasons, having been favourites for relegation in all three of those seasons - and that is the same once again.
They have made some intriguing additions over the summer with Japanese duo Kaito Mizuta and Sota Nakamura, as well as Morocco international midfielder Amir Richardson on loan from Italian giants Fiorentina.
Monaco preview: Multiple fronts to challenge on
Monaco opted to not allow Sebastian Pocognoli, who left Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in October to replace Adi Hutter, to have a full season in charge of the Monegasque, despite signs of improvement after a woeful start in the second half of the campaign.
They have instead appointed the previously reportedly in-demand and still very highly-rated former Flamengo boss Filipe Luis. Luis left Flamengo earlier this year after a fallout with the Brazilian giants, having won seven trophies in 12 months with the club, while also putting in some eye-catching performances at FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States.
He will be expected to take them deep in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season, too, beginning that with a 3-2 victory against Gornik Zabrze in the first-leg of their play-off round tie in midweek.
Le Havre team news: Couple of injuries
Le Havre begin the season with a couple of injury absentees this weekend as defender Stephan Zagadou is sidelined alongside versatile forward Felix Mambimbi.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Mpasi; Zouaoui, Seko, Doucoure; Pembele, Richardson, Mwanga, Ebonog, Mizuta; Maja, Samatta
Unavailable: Zagadou (Injured), Mambimbi (Injured)
Questionable:
Monaco team news: Fresh injuries
After their game the other day, Ansu Fati is now ruled out due to a calf injury with both Matthis Abline and Folarin Balogun doubtful. At the back Mohammed Salisu remains sidelined with Christian Mawissa missing through suspension.
Predicted XI (4-2-2-2): Hradecky; Teze, Dier, Sane, Vanderson; Zakaria, Camara; Brunner, Stanis Idumbo; Biereth, Detourbet
Unavailable: Salisu (Injured), Christian Mawissa (Suspended), Ansu Fati (Injured), Minamino (Injured)
Questionable: Abline (Injured), Balogun (Injured)
Le Havre vs Monaco prediction
Le Havre have perhaps been circling the drain towards Ligue 1 relegation for the last few years and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them eventually fall through the trapdoor this time around. Filipe Luis, making his way into club management in Europe, is expected to hit the ground running in Monaco and they have a soft start on the opening day, with the visitors expected to get themselves a comfortable victory at Stade Oceane.
Le Havre vs Monaco tip: Monaco to win
