Happy New Year, football lovers! Moving into 2025, Ligue 1 has in store for us an interesting encounter between OGC Nice and Stade Rennes in Round 16. Both teams enter this match with different forms, tactical philosophies, and ambitions for the season. While Nice is fighting to break into the top five, Rennes aims to climb out of mid-table mediocrity. The action-packed match is promising, full of goals, drama, and tactical intrigue with players like Marcin Bulka and Ludovic Blas being the highlights.
This game has it all to make for a scintillating start to the new year. Can Nice get back on their feet to keep their top-six position intact, or will Rennes mess up their plans with an upset away from home?
Your predictions and betting tips are welcome in the comments below!
Claim Welcome BonusOGC Nice
The fact is that OGC Nice, under the wise administration of Franck Haise, clings to 6th place in Ligue 1, having a balance of 6 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses. Although the team started the season very promisingly, recently it has managed performances that raise some concerns-no wins in the last three games and two defeats in the last five games. Nice's 1-1 draw against Cortenais in the Coupe de France showed both its attacking potential and defensive weakness.
Haise favors a 4-1-4-1 formation, as evidenced by the dominant 76% possession in the last game. But again, it has been the inability to put away those chances-missing 7 big opportunities-that has become their Achilles heel. Suspension of Yael Nandjou after a red card in the last match may force Haise to adjust his attacking plans.
Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bulka has been a rock at the back, boasting 3 clean sheets with an impressive 4.2 saves per game. With Nice's frailties in defense, Bulka will have to be at his best to keep Rennes at bay.
Stade Rennes
Under the feisty management of Jorge Sampaoli, Stade Rennes have been a mix of brilliance and inconsistency this season. The visitors sit 12th in the table with a record of 5-2-8, although their away form has been particularly poor with just one win in five outings. However, a resounding 4-1 win over Bordeaux in the Coupe de France suggests they are gaining momentum.
Sampaoli uses a very dynamic 3-4-2-1 setup, based on quick transitions and attacking flair. Ludovic Blas is the cog in such a system, dictating the flow of play with 4 goals and 5 assists. However, Rennes' backline has looked very shaky all season, often conceding the first goal-a trend they need to change if they have to stand a chance against Nice.
Ludovic Blas has been Rennes' standout performer, combining creativity with clinical finishing. His ability to exploit spaces between the lines could be pivotal against Nice's defensive midfield.
Head to Head
The hosts have dominated their last 20 meetings, managing to win 11 times as Rennes won 5 and 4 ended all square. Recent matches have been action-packed, as in the last 7 encounters, both teams have managed to score. Nice has opened the scoring in 5 of these matches, indicating a strong start against Rennes.
Match Facts
- OGC Nice: Over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 9 games, Winless in three games, Conceded first in seven of their last nine matches, Both teams scored (GG) in nine consecutive games.
- Stade Rennes: Under 4.5 cards in 6 of their last 7 matches, Conceded first in 5 of their last 7 matches, Under 10.5 corners in six straight games.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Nice
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Rennes
Ligue 1 2022/2023
Rennes
Ligue 1 2022/2023
Nice
Ligue 1 2021/2022
Rennes
Nice Latest Games
Nice 
Nice
AS Monaco
Nice
Nice
PSG
Rennes Latest Games
Rennes 
Rennes
Le Havre
Rennes
AS Monaco
Rennes
Expert Betting Tips
This is a game of contrasts. Nice will be looking to boss the game and create chances, but Rennes will want to hit them on the break. The battle between the Nice midfield control and attacking transitions from Rennes will be a crucial one. Given how both teams are capable of defensive lapses, this has the potential to be an open, high-scoring affair.
- Both Teams to Score (GG): Given Nice’s streak of GG in 9 consecutive games and Rennes’ attacking form, both teams finding the net is highly likely. (1xbet - 1.74 Odds)
- Over 2.5 Goals: Nice’s tendency to feature in high-scoring games (8 of their last 9 over 2.5 goals) makes this a solid bet. (Bet365: 1.90 Odds)
- Rennes to Score First: Despite their mid-table struggles, Rennes has shown attacking sharpness. With Nice conceding first in 7 of their last 9 games, this bet has value. (Betway - 2.25 Odds)
Other predictions
