Rennes vs Monaco Preview & Prediction | 2024-25 French Ligue 1
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These are two of the most entertaining teams to watch in Ligue 1 over the last couple of seasons. Stade Rennais have had 19 goals come in their six matches so far, whilst Monaco’s six games have consisted of 15 but they have scored 12 in their six.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Saturday 5th October, 2024 - UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Ligue 1 pass / US – beIN Sports
RENNES PREVIEW: FRUSTRATING RENNES
Ever since the re-appointment of Julian Stephan during the November international break last season, Stade Rennais have been extremely frustrating with the ability to put in genuinely impressive performances as well as quite underwhelming results that mean they, once again, start the weekend sit firmly in the middle-of-the-table.
The home team come into this one on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in their most recent outing, last weekend. They were 3-0 down in that game and the 3-1 scoreline perhaps flattered them. They have won just one of five matches since victory on the opening weekend of the season.
MONACO PREVIEW: FOOT ON THE MONAGASQUE
Under the management of former Borussia Monchengladbach boss Adi Hutter, Monaco were thrilling to watch last season and they are once again averaging two goals per game in Ligue 1 after six matches of this season. The principality club begin this weekend sitting level on points at the top-of-the-table, below PSG on goal difference.
The visitors come into this one on the back of salvaging a point in the Croatian capital against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League in midweek. They were 2-0 down in that match before late strikes from Mohammed Salisu and Denis Zakaria to mean they are unbeaten in eight matches across all competitions so far this season.
RENNES TEAM NEWS: STEPHAN’S CONFUSION
At the start of the season, Rennes played with a diamond midfield before switching to a back three after a few matches and Julian Stephan may well be confused himself about selection.
Former Celtic winger Jota, who joined on loan from Al Ittihad over the summer, remains sidelined due to injury with a muscle injury so a diamond formation would appear suited.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Mandanda; Ostigard, Wooh, Seidu; Assignon, Santamaria, Matusiwa, Truffert; Blas, Gouiri; Kalimuendo
UNAVAILABLE: Jota (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
MONACO TEAM NEWS: STILL NO DIOP
Monaco have no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues so Adi Hutter would be able to name an unchanged eleven for this weekend’s trip to Rennes.
Back-up goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki has returned from injury but they remain without young winger Edan Diop but there is no need, both in terms of fitness and form, for Hutter to change.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-2-2): Kohn; Vanderson, Singo, Salisu, Caio Henrique; Zakaria, Golovin; Akliouche, Ben Seghir; Balogun, Embolo
UNAVAILABLE: Diop (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
RENNES VS MONACO PREDICTION
As mentioned, both of these sides are proactive and like to play good football with goals to be expected Roazhon Park. Rennes have never overly convinced under Stephan and he is under pressure after such a stop-start beginning to this season. Monaco were left frustrated in midweek but there is a growing belief they could genuinely sustain a title challenge this season, too.
RENNES VS MONACO TIP: OVER 2.5 GOALS
