Marseille v Strasbourg: Ligue 1 2026-27 opener at Stade Vélodrome on August 21

Olympique de Marseille will host RC Strasbourg Alsace at the Stade Vélodrome on August 21 in the opening fixture of Ligue 1 2026-27. The match will be shown in the United Kingdom on Ligue 1+, Prime Video and ITV.

Marseille arrive after a mixed pre-season that included wins over Nimes, Al Shahaniya and Athletic Bilbao and a 1-2 loss to Atlético Madrid, a defeat the club described as decided by a late defensive error. The side finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season under Bruno Genesio. Strasbourg endured a difficult run in friendlies, losing four of their last five matches before a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, and they ended last season in eighth place under Hugo Oliveira.

Marseille’s attacking unit will feature the 26-year-old Brazilian winger who was the sole goal scorer for his side in their last pre-season fixture against Atlético Madrid and is expected to be important in the final third. Igor Paixão is named as a threat on the left wing after 11 goal contributions in Ligue 1 last season. The club’s likely starting XI is listed as: De Lang (GK); Weah, Balredi, Kongdobia, Emerson; Abdelli, Hojberg; Harit, Gomes, Paixao; Gouiri. Due to an accumulation of yellow cards from last season, Quinten Timber will miss the Ligue 1 2026-27 opener for Olympique de Marseille.

Strasbourg are likely to hand a start to Gessime Yassine on the right flank after he scored the equaliser in the club’s most recent friendly against Newcastle United; the report identifies him as a 20-year-old. Their probable lineup is given as: Jorgensen (GK); Doue, Omobamidele, Becker, Del Blanco; Sousa, El Mourabet; Yassine, Nanasi, Moreira; Mara. Strasbourg will be without Joaquin Panichelli because he is injured, and Ben Chilwell is listed as not confirmed for selection due to a lack of fitness.

Les Phocéens are reported to be confident following their pre-season results and will aim to begin the league campaign with a win at home, while Le Racing face the pressures associated with an away opener. The preview concludes that Marseille are likely to secure a victory in their Ligue 1 2026-27 opener against Strasbourg.

Marseille will also compete in the UEFA Europa League this campaign, while Strasbourg will not take part in any European competition this season; both clubs will begin their domestic schedules with this fixture at the Stade Vélodrome on August 21 (BST).