Angers vs Lille prediction 23.08.2026 | Ligue 1

Angers finished 14th and 13th in the previous two seasons, since their return to the French top flight. They won just 36 points in 34 rounds in each of those seasons, but it was enough for survival. This season, their goal is once again the same: to stay away from the danger zone. 

However, based on their transfer activity, we don't believe they have improved the squad. Therefore, another season roaming around the relegation zone is to be expected. Also, the coach who previously secured them back-to-back survival and a promotion, Alexandre Dujeux, left the team to join Lorient. It will be interesting to see how that affects them, especially early in the season. 

For the first game of the season, midfielder Haris Belkebla will miss the match due to a thigh injury. The 31-year-old was one of their best players last season, and his absence could be a factor. 

Lille have mostly been a top-five team in France in previous years. Last season, the Mastiffs finished 3rd and secured a place in the Champions League main phase. This season, they will have a big change, as coach Bruno Genesio left the club after his two-year contract ended. The club decided to appoint Davide Ancelotti as the main coach. That is pretty unusual in our opinion, considering Ancelotti is only 37 years old and spent most of his career as an assistant coach. His only coaching job (head coach) was in 2025 when he was Botafogo's manager. His tenure with Botafogo was brief and without much success, as they had an average of only 1.67 points per game in 33 games. 

Over the summer, their best central defender, Aissa Mandi, left, along with right full-back Thomas Meunier. However,m they added good replacements in Tanguy Nianzou and Loun Srdanovic. They also added winger Başar Önal for 12.5 million euros. So, maybe a small upgrade compared to last season.

For the upcoming game, Benjamin Andre and Matias Fernandez-Pardo will miss the game due to suspensions. Both were a key part of the starting eleven last season. Also, there is a big question of whether Ayyoub Bouaddi will be in the squad, considering he is reportedly close to signing with Manchester City.