Coming up this weekend in Ligue 1 is the thrilling contest between Stade Rennes and Olympique Marseille. There is a lot at stake with Rennes looking to bounce back from the disappointing defeat and Marseille in dire need of keeping their title hopes alive. With contrasting form, tactics, and key players, this may just be an absorbing contest.
What are your thoughts on this matchup? Can Rennes upset the odds, or will Marseille’s fine form continue? Share your predictions below!
Claim Your Welcome BonusStade Rennes
Stade Rennes of Jorge Sampaoli goes into this match with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of OGC Nice. Though the score line was flattering for them, there was some resilience as Arnaud Kalimuendo and Adrien Truffert scored for Rennes. So far, the tactical adjustments of Sampaoli have received mixed success in this season, where the team scores 1.4 goals per match but concedes 1.4 goals on average. Ludovic Blas has been the creative force, bagging four goals and six assists this season. His ability to unlock defenses will be very important against a solid backline of Marseille.
Rennes does now boast a more stable backline with the recent arrival of goalkeeper Brice Samba from RC Lens, while Seko Fofana does remain to hit his full stride in midfield dynamism. The form of Samba at Lens could be very vital if he makes his home debut, having managed 7 clean sheets in 15 matches this season.
Strengths and Streaks:
* Effective in limiting corners (under 10.5 corners in 7 consecutive matches).
* Home advantage, where they’ve secured 3 wins in their last 5 outings.
* Struggling to maintain composure early, conceding first in 6 of their last 8 matches.
Olympique Marseille
Olympique Marseille are doing great under Roberto De Zerbi. They won 5-1 against Le Havre in their last outing, showcasing the depth of their attack and fluidity in tactics. The usual suspects Mason Greenwood and Neal Maupay came through with outstanding performances; Greenwood was the man of the match. The Englishman has contributed 10 goals and 2 assists this season, and he is usually a sure starter for Marseille. Finishing and the creation of chances have been instrumental to their impressive goal-scoring rate of 2.3 goals per game.
The arrival of Luiz Felipe from Al-Ittihad strengthens an already robust backline. His ability to break up plays and distribute effectively will be key against Rennes' counter-attacking threats.
Strengths and Streaks:
* Unbeaten in 6 matches, including 5 away wins.
* Prolific in front of goal, with 8 of their last 10 matches exceeding 2.5 goals.
* Regularly score first, setting the tone early (5 of the last 6 matches).
Head to Head
The head-to-head history between Rennes and Marseille is so close as each team has managed to secure 8 wins each with 4 matches ending in a draw. Recent matches between the two teams have been quite a defensive encounter with less than 2.5 goals scored in the last 9 meetings. Marseille has also enjoyed an edge as they have scored first in 4 of the last 5 meetings.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Marseille
Coupe de France 2023/2024
Marseille
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Rennes
Ligue 1 2022/2023
Marseille
Coupe de France 2022/2023
Rennes
Expert Betting Tips
It's a style contrast as Rennes relies on individual brilliance coupled with a leaky defense, whereas Marseille just seems to have the cohesive and clinical approach to the game. Rennes would hope to lean on home advantage, but this may expose the defensive weaknesses by Marseille's potent attack. Greenwood's form and Marseille's efficiency in front of goal may be what will define the match, but Rennes' set-piece threats coupled with Samba in goal means there is an inkling of hope.
Over 2.5 Goals: With Marseille's firepower in front of goal and Rennes's propensity to concede, goals are expected. (1xbet 1.985 Odds)
Marseille to Win: With Marseille's form and Rennes' frailties at the back, they will be the favourites to edge this contest. (Betway 2.41 Odds)
Both Teams to Score - Yes: Rennes's attacking threats at home and Marseille's defensive lapses in patches could see both teams find the net. (Bet365: 170 Odds)
Other predictions
