ES Setif vs Ben Aknoun Prediction & Betting Tips (3 September)

ES Setif will host Ben Aknoun at the Stade du 8 Mai 1945 on Thursday, 27 August 2026, for the opening round of the 2026/2027 Algeria Ligue 1 season. Both sides are eager to start the new campaign on a positive note, with Setif looking to capitalize on their home advantage and Ben Aknoun aiming to build on their mid-table momentum from the previous term.

The home side enters the new season with a refreshed squad under coach Milutin Sredojevic, featuring goalkeeper Sofiane Khedairia, defender Ibrahim Bekakchi, midfielder Akram Djahnit, and forward Merouane Zerrouki, who led the team with nine goals last season. Setif's recent form includes a 2:2 draw against Paradou AC in January 2026 and a 3:1 defeat away to CR Belouizdad in late December 2025, results that highlight both their attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities on the road.

Ben Aknoun arrives with a competitive 2026/2027 squad led by coach Mounir Zeghdoud, featuring experienced defender Abderrahmane Hachoud, midfielder Badis Bouamama, and attacker Adil Djabout. The visitors' recent outings include a 2:2 home draw against USM Alger in early June 2026 and a 3:1 loss away to JS Kabylie in April 2026, demonstrating their ability to score but also their struggles against stronger opposition on the road.

Bookmakers have priced this Round 1 encounter with European odds of 2.10 for a Setif home win, 3.20 for the draw, and 3.40 for a Ben Aknoun victory. Given Setif's superior firepower at the Stade du 8 Mai 1945 and Ben Aknoun's inconsistent away record, our prediction is a narrow 1:0 victory for ES Setif to open their 2026/2027 Ligue 1 account with three poi