The most interesting match of Round 18 in Ligue 1 is the mid-table battle between Stade Rennes and Stade Brest at Roazhon Park. Both teams are desperate to steady their season, so fans can expect a closely-fought game. Rennes, managed by Abel Pimenta, are looking to break a three-game losing streak while Brest, led by Éric Roy, come into the match with momentum, having won four of their last five. Who will emerge on top in this Brittany derby?
Claim Your Welcome BonusStade Rennes
The campaign of Stade Rennes has stuttered in the last weeks. With just five wins from 17 games, sitting 14th, their recent form - WWLLL - highlights inconsistency. A 1-0 loss to Troyes in the Coupe de France last week added to their woes, with Rafiki Said's lone goal proving decisive.
Rennes' form at home has been a little better, as they have compiled a 3W-2L record, but their lack of finish in front of goal remains an issue. The winter transfer window saw the departure of striker Amine Gouiri, and up front, Martin Terrier is yet to get into his rhythm after returning from injury.
The Abel Pimenta side, though, remains solid at the back, having conceded just four goals in their last three matches. If Rennes can rediscover their attacking spark, they could reverse their fortunes in this derby.
Stade Brest
Stade Brest have quietly risen to 11th place inspired by a good run of form - WWLWW. In their last weekend's 2-1 win over Nantes, Abdallah Sima and captain Brendan Chardonnet found the net to show the balance in their attack.
However, Brest's away record is a cause for concern as they have lost four of their last five trips away from home (1W, 4L). Still, Éric Roy's men have made a habit of starting well, scoring first in five of their last six matches. That defensive organization, combined with the consistent performances of Sima and energetic midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou, has made them a tough out despite their road struggles.
Head to Head
Rennes have the better side in their last 20 Ligue 1 meetings with Brest, with 11 wins to their opponent's 3, and six draws between them. Of late, Brest are unbeaten in their last three games against Rennes, suggesting this may be the changing face of this contest. Both sides have scored in five of their last seven meetings as often this game makes for an exciting watch.
Key H2H Stats:
Rennes have scored first in 7 of the last 9 meetings.
Brest are unbeaten in 3 straight clashes.
Six of their last eight games saw under 4.5 cards.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Brest
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Rennes
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Brest
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Rennes
Club Friendlies 2023
Rennes
Expert Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) @ 1.92 Odds on Betway:
Goals in both teams' nets seem quite probable, considering that in their last 7 games both teams scored on 5 occasions. Meanwhile, Brest opened the score in 5 of their last 6 matches.
Under 10 Corners @ 1.6 Odds on Bet365:
Both teams have kept corner counts low with Rennes having 9/9 and Brest 8/10 recent matches under 10 corners. Expect more of the same here.
Abdallah Sima to Score Anytime @ 4.75 Odds on 1xbet:
Sima is in great nick, scoring in consecutive games for Brest. He will most likely get his chances against a shaky Rennes de
fense.
Other predictions
