Stade Rennes vs Le Havre Prediction: Can Stade Rennes Break Their Winless Streak, or Will Le Havre's Desperation Spark an Upset?

Stade Rennes and Le Havre go head-to-head in a matchday 10 Ligue 1 encounter at Roazhon Park on October 25, 2024. Both teams have been going through perilous times as Rennes have failed to win any of their last four games while Le Havre lost five on the trot. This will be an important encounter for both sides as Rennes seek to climb back into the top half of the table, while Le Havre are desperate to stop their slide down the table and avoid a nervous relegation battle. With both sides struggling for form this season, this game could go either way; hence, it's an interesting tactical and psychological battle.

Stade Rennes flash moments of their attacking capabilities but have failed in consistency at the back. They've won just once in the last five, with two draws and two losses, to put them in 12th position. Their last outing against Brest was a 1-1 draw that told both of their defensive frailties and attacking inefficiencies, despite showing some control in possession. What Julien Stephan's men need is to shore up their back four, having shipped a goal in each of their last four matches, while at the same time being more creative upfront for better chance creation.

Stade Rennes, under Julien Stephan, are set to use a 3-4-2-1 system similar to what was utilized in the draw against Brest. The system provides the balance between Rennes' two central players with wingbacks for support to have that control in the middle of the pitch while covering the back with three. The large wide players will be targeting delivering the ball in dangerous areas and blocking the counter-attacks from Le Havre. Rennes will be so keen on high pressing while exploiting the fragile Le Havre defense.

They are on a five-game losing streak for Le Havre, with the most recent 4-0 loss to Lyon leaving them still dazed. The team of Didier Digard hasn't scored in their last three games, failing on both ends of the pitch. Now 16th in the table, they are desperately in need of a result to avoid slipping closer to the relegation zone. Their main weakness is scoring, with them failing to create clear-cut opportunities, while their defense has leaked goals at incredible rates.

Le Havre of Didier Digard have mostly deployed a 3-1-4-2 formation, with three centre backs for solidity in rear. They have not been able to keep clean sheets, conceding six times in their last three matches. He could employ a more cautious counter-attacking game here, with the hope of long balls and direct plays catching Rennes off guard on the break. This will be very crucial in midfield battles, as Le Havre needs to win some duels in order to get in control and not be overrun.

Historically, the teams of Stade Rennes and Le Havre have met 15 times, with Rennes slight favorites with five wins against Le Havre's four, with six draws. The most recent encounter in February 2024 went the way of Rennes 1-0. Recent form in head-to-head matches shows Rennes remain unbeaten against Le Havre in the last three, where both teams have scored in five of the last seven meetings. This might just indicate that the game might be well-contested, with Rennes slightly ahead psychologically.

Both teams enter this fixture in poor form, but Stade Rennes seem a bit stronger, and home advantage will play a big deal. Julien Stephan's men have shown glimpses of their attacking game this season, but in many moments, they failed to close out games and seal the deal in terms of making the most out of their possession. Key players are expected to return to fitness, and Rennes should be able to boss this game and create chances. But their defensive instability remains a big question, as it has been witnessed in the recent run of matches.

Recent form paints a very poor picture for Le Havre. They have gone three straight games without scoring and have been second best both in defense and attack. Their inability to carve out clear-cut opportunities means it's hard to see them troubling Rennes' defense a lot. While Digard's side has also easily conceded early goals, this might just further deflate them should Rennes manage to take the lead.

Regarding the tactical battle, Rennes should keep the ball and press high up the pitch; utilize the wingbacks and wide forwards to stretch it and allow opportunities. Le Havre might sit back, try to catch Rennes on the counter, but a real lack of goalscoring threat from the visitors suggests this is unlikely to bear much fruit.

• Home Win & Under 5.5 Goals @ 1.61 Odds
• Home Win & Under 4.5 Goals @ 1.72 Odds
• Home Win 2-0 @ 7.00 Odds