Rennes vs Montpellier prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2022-10-29 14:00.
Since losing two of their opening four Ligue 1 games in 2022/23, Rennes have hit a purple patch and come into this game on the back of a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W9, D4), culminating in a bitter 3-3 draw against Fenerbahçe in midweek European action despite leading 3-0 after 30 minutes. Naturally frustrated with their capitulation, midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud spoke frankly afterwards, insisting he and his partners were “idiots”.
Rennes’ should feel confident of putting that draw behind them at Roazhon Park in Ligue 1, with Bruno Génésio’s men winning 13 of their 15 top-flight home outings in 2022 (L2). Génésio will hope to keep the good times rolling as Rennes welcome a Montpellier side that he’s unbeaten against in nine personal Ligue 1 H2Hs (W6, D3), guiding Rennes to a league double over their visitors last season.
It has been all or nothing for Montpellier this season as the only Ligue 1 side yet to register a draw this campaign (W4, L8). With four defeats in a row, it has been nothing for them of late, bookended by a frustrating 2-1 home loss to Lyon as a 90th minute goal saw Montpellier squander what looked set to be a precious point. It was a cruel ending to what was Romain Pitau’s first game as Montpellier’s coach though he remained defiant, insisting “we have to build on the good things we did”.
Now looking to avoid a first run of five consecutive league defeats in over five years, Pitau will surely rely on his team’s offensive line, as you’d have to go back to 2011/2012 for the last time Montpellier scored more goals than their current 22 after 12 Ligue 1 rounds, a season that saw them finish as champions! Expectations certainly aren’t so high this season, and losses in their previous three league visits to Rennes doesn’t offer much hope that Montpellier can turn things around here.
Players to watch: Rennes will hope Lovro Majer can find the net given they’ve won all six Ligue 1 games he scored in since he joined the club, including both H2Hs last season. Meanwhile, Montpellier’s Arnaud Nordin could start fast, with his three Ligue 1 goals this season arriving inside the opening 30 minutes.
Hot stat: Rennes are the only Ligue 1 side yet to concede after the 75th minute, while their total of nine goals scored during that time is the highest.