Ligue 1: Matchday 4 Analysis with KPI Metrics & Picks

Ligue 1: Matchday 4 Overview

The fourth matchday of Ligue 1 is set to be an exciting one for French football. There are nine matches that present a number of exciting matchups on the field. Rennes vs. Marseille and Strasbourg vs. Monaco are two matches between teams that haven’t lost so far. Paris FC welcomes Lyon in another interesting matchup. Lille, Lens, and PSG have a chance to alter their standings. Teams playing in the early matches with good form can easily secure their spot. This matchday gives us a few chances to evaluate their performance. The analysis will not only focus on reputation and results. Match statistics, performance metrics, and key performance indicators will assist in identifying the best sides.

Ligue 1: Matchday 4 Schedules

Rennes vs Marseille

Date: 11 September 2026 (Friday)

Time: 02:45 PM ET | 11:45 AM PT | 12:15 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Roazhon Park, Rennes

Strasbourg vs AS Monaco

Date: 12 September 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 11:15 AM ET | 08:15 AM PT | 08:45 PM IST

Venue: Stade de la Meinau Strasbourg

Le Havre AC vs Angers SCO

Date: 12 September 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 02:45 PM ET | 11:45 AM PT | 12:15 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Stade CMA CGM Océane, Le Havre

AJ Auxerre vs OGC Nice

Date: 12 September 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 02:45 PM ET | 11:45 AM PT | 12:15 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Stade Abbé Deschamps, Auxerre

FC Lorient vs Toulouse FC

Date: 12 September 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 02:45 PM ET | 11:45 AM PT | 12:15 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Stade du Moustoir, Lorient

Paris FC vs OL

Date: 12 September 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 02:45 PM ET | 11:45 AM PT | 12:15 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris

LOSC Lille vs Troyes

Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)

Time: 09:00 AM ET | 06:00 AM PT | 06:30 PM IST

Venue: Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Villeneuve-d’Ascq

Le Mans FC vs RC Lens

Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)

Time: 11:15 AM ET | 08:15 AM PT | 08:45 PM IST

Venue: Stade Marie-Marvingt, Le Mans

Brest vs PSG

Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)

Time: 02:45 PM ET | 11:45 AM PT | 12:15 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Stade Francis-Le Blé, Brest

Match Previews

Rennes vs Marseille

Date: 11 September 2026 (Friday)

Time: 02:45 PM ET | 11:45 AM PT | 12:15 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Roazhon Park, Rennes

Expected Ligue 1 Squad

Rennes

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Nicolas Lemaitre, Brice Samba, Kilian Belazzoug
Defenders	Firmin Thétiot, Charlie Cresswell, Gonçalo Oliveira, Bryan Reynolds, Mahamadou Nagida, Anthony Rouault, Quentin Merlin, Alidu Seidu, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal
Midfielders	Ayanda Sishuba, Djaoui Cissé, Sebastian Szymanski, Valentin Rongier, Adrien Thomasson, Mahdi Camara, Przemyslaw Frankowski
Forwards	Esteban Lepaul, Ludovic Blas, Mousa Al-Tamari, Eliezer Mayenda, Boulaye Dia, Elias Legendre, Henrick Do Marcolino, Arnaud Nordin, Issa Soumaré

Marseille

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Jeffrey de Lange, Jelle Van Neck, Théo Vermot
Defenders	CJ Egan-Riley, Derek Cornelius, Bamo Meïté, Nayef Aguerd, Ulisses Garcia, Emerson, Kelyann Bezahaf
Midfielders	Tochukwu Nnadi, Angel Gomes, Himad Abdelli, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Nouhoum Kamissoko, Amine Harit
Forwards	Amine Gouiri, Neal Maupay, Igor Paixão, Timothy Weah, Faris Moumbagna, Tadjidine Mmadi, Keyliane Abdallah

Injury List

Rennes does not have any unavailable players. 

Unavailable players for Marseille: Geoffrey Kondogbia (injury), Tochukwu Nnadi (injury).

KPI Comparison

KPI	Rennes	Marseille	KPI Advantage
League Points	7	3	Rennes
Average Goals	2.33	2.00	Rennes
Average Goals Conceded	1.67	1.67	Draw
Average Goal Differential	+0.70	+0.30	Rennes
Average Expected Goals (xG)	1.70	1.54	Rennes
Average Expected Goals Conceded (xGA)	2.20	1.56	Marseille
Expected Goal Differential	-0.50	-0.0	Marseille
Possession	52%	64%	Marseille
Save Percentage	62%	64%	Marseille
Clean Sheets	0	1	Marseille
Current Ligue 1 Form	D-W-W	W-L-L	Rennes
League Position	5th	10th	Rennes

Analysis

The choice goes to Rennes since they have accumulated 7 points in just three matches, whereas Marseille has accumulated just three points. Moreover, Rennes score more goals and have an excellent goal difference compared to their counterparts. Marseille seems very good in possession, xGA, and xG differential, but the current form of Rennes favors them. The model gives Rennes a 5-4 victory against Marseille based on selected KPIs.

The Pick: Rennes

Strasbourg vs AS Monaco

Date: 12 September 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 11:15 AM ET | 08:15 AM PT | 08:45 PM IST

Venue: Stade de la Meinau Strasbourg

Ligue 1 Expected Squad

Strasbourg

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Filip Jørgensen, Milosz Piekutowski, Gabriel Kerckaert
Defenders	Hermann Diandaga, Jeyland Mitchell, Ismael Doukoure, Mateo Del Blanco, Genesis Antwi, Lucas Høgsberg, Karim Coulibaly, Oso, Yoann Becker
Midfielders	Maximillian Oyedele, Sebastian Nanasi, Giovanni Reyna, Dário Essugo, Pape Diop, Diogo Sousa, Omari Kellyman, Tyrese Noubissie, Samir El Mourabet, Benjamin Brantlind
Forwards	Deivid Washington, Joaquín Panichelli, Sékou Mara, Fabio Baldé, Martial Godo, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw, Jacobo Ortega Conde, Yaya Diémé, Ghianny Kodia, Conrad Harder, Gessime Yassine

AS Monaco

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Lukas Hradecky, Philipp Köhn, Jules Stawiecki, Yann Lienard
Defenders	Vanderson, Eric Dier, Jordan Teze, Christian Mawissa, Názinho, Mohammed Salisu, Sadibou Sané
Midfielders	Denis Zakaria, Aleksandr Golovin, Lamine Camara, Stanis Idumbo, Takumi Minamino, Pape Cabral, Mamadou Coulibaly, Edan Diop, Aymen Assab, Samuel Nibombé, Anis Soubeir, Safouane Benzahra, Ilane Touré
Forwards	Mathys Detourbet, Folarin Balogun, Mika Biereth, Paris Brunner, Ansu Fati, Matthis Abline, Oumar Konaté

Injury List

Unavailable players for Strasbourg: Maxi Oyedele (injury), Joaquín Panichelli (injury), Martial Godo (injury). 

Unavailable players for Monaco: Mohammed Salisu (injury), Ansu Fati (injury), Edan Diop (injury), Folarin Balogun (injury).

KPI Comparison

KPI	AS Monaco	Strasbourg	KPI Advantage
League Points	9	6	Monaco
Average Goals	1.67	2.67	Strasbourg
Average Goals Conceded	0.33	2.33	Monaco
Average Goal Differential	+1.33	+0.33	Monaco
Average Expected Goals (xG)	1.13	1.67	Strasbourg
Average Expected Goals Conceded (xGA)	1.34	2.53	Monaco
Avg. Expected Goal Differential	-0.2	-0.9	Monaco
Possession	38%	48%	Strasbourg
Save Percentage	93%	67%	Monaco
Clean Sheets	2	0	Monaco
Current Ligue 1 Form	W-W-W	W-W-L	Monaco
League Position	1	6	Monaco

Analysis

AS Monaco seems to be the more sensible choice for this game. Monaco have managed to win all their three games in Ligue 1. They have only conceded one goal. Strasbourg have a good scoring record but have let in seven goals on the defensive side. Also, Monaco have a good xG/xGA profile when compared to that of Strasbourg. The biggest strength of Monaco lies in their defensive efficiency. Strasbourg’s attacking strategy and tactics make them a strong competitor, but Monaco’s consistency gives them an advantage.

The Pick: Monaco

Paris FC vs OL

Date: 12 September 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 02:45 PM ET | 11:45 AM PT | 12:15 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris

Ligue 1 Expected Squad

Paris FC

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Obed Nkambadio
Defenders	Kevin Trapp, Emmanuel Mbemba, Moustapha Mbow, Otavio, Hamari Traoré, Nhoa Sangui, Yoan Koré, Thibault De Smet, Samir Chergui, Diego Coppola
Midfielders	Vincent Marchetti, Zabi Gueu, Ilan Kebbal, Adama Camara, Maxime López, Rudy Matondo, Pierre Lees-Melou
Forwards	Pablo Pagis, Lassine Sinayoko, Jean-Phillipe Krasso, Luca Koleosho, Omar Sissoko, Moses Simon, Jonathan Ikoné

OL

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Dominik Greif, Justin Bengui Joao, Yvann Konan, Matthias Da Silva, Rémy Descamps, Lassine Diarra
Defenders	Nicolás Tagliafico, Zachary Athekame, Abner, Moussa Niakhaté, Felix Bacher, Ruben Kluivert, Clinton Mata, Steeve Kango, Mohamed Ouédraogo, Noham Kamara
Midfielders	Mads Bidstrup, Tanner Tessmann, Corentin Tolisso, Pavel Sulc, Khalis Merah, Tyler Morton, Mathys De Carvalho, Tiago Manuel Gonçalves Silva, Noah Nartey
Forwards	Keito Nakamura, Ernest Nuamah, Loïs Openda, Julien Duranville, Kail Boudache, Adil Hamdani, Rémi Himbert

Injury List

Unavailable players for Paris FC: Emmanuel Mbemba (injury), Nhoa Sangui (injury), Otávio (injury), Jonathan Ikoné (injury). 

Unavailable players for Lyon: Julien Duranville (injury).

KPI Comparison

KPI	Lyon	Paris FC	KPI Advantage
League Points	7	7	Draw
Average Goals	2.00	2.00	Draw
Average Goals Conceded	0.67	0.67	Draw
Average Goal Differential	+1.3	+1.3	Draw
Average Expected Goals (xG)	1.70	2.54	Paris FC
Average Expected Goals Conceded (xGA)	1.32	0.85	Paris FC
Expected Goal Differential	+0.4	+1.7	Paris FC
Possession	56%	47%	Lyon
Save Percentage	82%	78%	Paris FC
Clean Sheets	1	2	Paris FC
Current Ligue 1 Form	W-D-W	D-W-W	Draw
League Position	2	3	Lyon

Analysis

Lyon holds an upper hand since the KPI comparison table has been considered. Both teams have the same points and goals tally. Expected goals rate, expected goals against, expected goal difference, and save rate favor Paris FC. Possession is in favor of Lyon, who is also placed higher in the league. Improved possession by Lyon will be the reason behind their victory in the match. These types of improvements match by match have given them a crucial opportunity to score.

The Pick: OL

LOSC Lille vs Troyes

Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)

Time: 09:00 AM ET | 06:00 AM PT | 06:30 PM IST

Venue: Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Villeneuve-d’Ascq

Expected Ligue 1 Squad

LOSC Lille

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Berke Özer, Orlando Gill, Arnaud Bodart
Defenders	Loun Srdanovic, Nathan Ngoy, Alexsandro, Romain Perraud, Tiago Santos, Tanguy Nianzou, Calvin Verdonk, Isaac Cossier, Maxima Goffi
Midfielders	Nabil Bentaleb, Ethan Mbappé, Hákon Haraldsson, Maurits Kjaergaard, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Benjamin André
Forwards	Dilane Bakwa, Olivier Giroud, Osame Sahraoui, Ayase Ueda, Basar Önal, Gaetan Perrin, Hamza Igmane, Soriba Diaoune

Troyes

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Zacharie Boucher, Patrick Beach, Hillel Konaté
Defenders	Lucas Maronnier, Anis Ouzenadji, Michel Diaz, Paolo Gozzi Iweru, Adrien Monfray, Ismael Boura, Noah Donkor, Enisio Carneiro, Yvann Titi
Midfielders	Mouhamed Diop, Merwan Ifnaoui, Iron Gomis, Antoine Mille, Hugo Picard, Alexandre Philiponeau, Dermane Karim, Roman Murcy, Idrissa Soukouna
Forwards	Kandet Diawara, Jeremy Le Douaron, Ibrahim Traoré, Renaud Ripart, Timothé Nkada, Christ Batola, Yacouba Kone

Injury List

Unavailable players for Lille: Hamza Igamane (injury). 

Unavailable players for Troyes: Paolo Gozzi (injury), Ismaël Boura (injury), Yvann Titi (injury).

KPI Comparison

KPI	Troyes	Lille	KPI Advantage
League Points	4	7	Lille
Average Goals	1.33	1.67	Lille
Average Goals Conceded	2.33	+0.67	Lille
Average Goal Differential	-1.0	+1.0	Lille
Average Expected Goals (xG)	1.60	1.19	Troyes
Average Expected Goals Conceded (xGA)	2.00	2.28	Lille
Expected Goal Differential	-0.4	-1.1	Lille
Possession	38%	36%	Troyes
Save Percentage	61%	87%	Lille
Clean Sheets	1	2	Lille
Current Ligue 1 Form	D-W-L	D-W-L	Draw
League Position	9th	4th	Lille

Analysis

Lille clearly grabs an advantage in almost all the KPIs. In terms of points, goal difference, number of goals scored, and save percentage, Lille outperforms Troyes. Although Troyes has a slightly higher xG and higher possession, they still lack defensively compared to Lille. Lille has a better record when it comes to clean sheets and a superior league ranking. The overall KPI profile strongly shows Lille has the advantage.

The Pick: LOSC Lille

Conclusion

Match Day 4 is likely to witness some significant developments in the Ligue 1 standings. Results witnessed in the early weeks have already produced varying levels of momentum among clubs. The Monaco team comes into the matchday with a 100% league record, while PSG is yet to register a win. Rennes is also coming in on a positive streak as they take on Marseille. Form alone cannot determine our predictions, however. We shall assess attack, defense, possession, shots, passing, expected goals, and other KPIs. Through the analysis of these indicators, we shall determine the statistical edge of each club.