Le Havre AC travels to the Groupama Stadium to face Olympique Lyonnais this Saturday, 29 August 2026, for the second matchday of Ligue 1. Kick-off is at 20:45 and the match will be broadcast on Ligue 1+. The Norman club, currently 14th in the table with 0 points after an opening day loss, aims to avoid a second consecutive defeat against an in-form opponent.
According to information from Sport.fr, Le Havre's manager will have to deal with several key absences. Dan-Axel Zagadou and Jodel Dossou Mambimbi are injured, while Mohamed Zouaoui's status remains a doubt. These absences add to a long list of summer departures, including Ismaël Doukouré and Bafétimbi Gomis, weakening the squad before this difficult away trip. The defense, which conceded a goal within the first 15 minutes against Monaco, will need to be more solid.
What are the probable lineups?
Le Havre's probable team, as per Sport.fr, should feature Mpasi in goal. A back four would be composed of Pembélé, Seko, Sasso and Doucouré. In midfield, Mwanga, Ebonog and Koffi will have the tough task of containing Lyon's play. Up front, Richardson, Ndiaye and Samatta will be tasked with creating danger. Lyon, on the other hand, is expected to field a team very close to the one that beat Toulouse (0-2), with Greif, Athekame, Mata, Bacher, Tagliafico, Bidstrup, Nartey, Boudache, Tolisso, Fofana and Openda. Only Merah is a doubt for Les Gones.
What is the form context for both teams?
Olympique Lyonnais approaches this match on a three-game unbeaten run, including qualification for the Champions League phase after eliminating Sparta Prague and a draw (1-1) at Fenerbahçe. Their opening day win at Toulouse confirms their strong start to the season under Paulo Fonseca. Le Havre AC, meanwhile, had a difficult pre-season with only two wins in six friendlies. The home defeat to Monaco (0-1) last weekend, where the Normans never managed to equalize, confirmed these struggles. The club is targeting a third consecutive top-flight survival after finishing 14th last spring.
Where does Le Havre AC stand in the league?
After one matchday, Le Havre's statistical situation is precarious. The club is 14th with 0 points, a record of one loss and no wins or draws. The team has not scored and has conceded one goal, for a -1 goal difference. They are already four points behind the leaders, Lille. The next fixture, scheduled for 21 November away to Estac Troyes, will be another important match in the battle to stay up. You can follow the evolution of this table on our standings page.
What does this mean for what comes next?
This trip to Lyon represents a major test for Le Havre AC's collective solidity. The absences in defense and a reshaped midfield will have to withstand one of the most formidable attacks in the league. A positive result, even a point, would be a huge morale boost. Preparation for the match against Troyes, currently 13th, will begin immediately after this game. The team must find offensive solutions, as their 0 goals scored this season is a concern. To check the full list of injuries and suspensions, the injuries page is updated regularly.
