Paris Saint-Germain are ready to kick-off their new season without Zlatan, and we can expect more exciting contests in the Ligue 1

The new Ligue 1 season kicks-off in France on Friday (August 12) with Paris Saint-Germain travelling to Bastia for the opening fixture.

But what can we expect from French football this season? Will Paris SG be at ease, yet again, outside their Parc des Princes,  or will the defending champions be challenged by other clubs?

Paris SG became league champions for the fourth consecutive time last May, winning the first out of the four in 2013. But how good were Paris SG before installing their leadership?

Well, they came short from winning the title in 2012, as they finished runners-up, and they hadn’t won the Ligue 1 title since 1994.

This year, you can expect the likes of Monaco, Lyon and Saint-Etienne to do well, and Paris SG may well be challenged by these teams when playing away, especially.

Unai Emery was named Laurent Blanc's successor at Paris SG and brought in Jese to replace Zlatan. But it is fair to say it's never perfect when a new manager takes on the hot seat and try to install his own tactics.

Lyon have completed three transfers this window with the arrival of Polish winger Maciej Rybus, Nicolas Nkoulou and Emanuel Mammana - expect a strong start from them.

Marseilles have also done business as they announced the return of Bafetimbi Gomis, Henri Bedimo and Florian Thauvin, who is on loan from Newcastle with option to buy. But the departure of Michy Batshuayi and defender Mendy (to Monaco) leaves question marks.

Monaco welcomed back Falcoa, who flopped at Manchester United and Chelsea, and they now have strengthened their defence with Mendy.