Rennes vs Nice prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-01-01 20:00.
Rennes were on their longest unbeaten run in Ligue 1 since December 2008 (W8, D3) prior to a 3-1 defeat against Reims in midweek, slowing their quest to qualify for the UEFA Champions League after a two-year absence. Manager Bruno Génésio must now focus his side on avoiding two consecutive league defeats for the first time since April if they are to keep the pressure on third-placed Marseille.
Génésio's men have long-since showcased their ability to bounce back by following up each of their previous six away league losses in 2022 by a 2+ goal margin home win, which speaks volumes of the character within the group. Travelling teams have struggled to deal with Rennes’ tempo at Roazhon Park in Ligue 1, with the Red and Black winning an impressive 15 of their 17 top-flight home outings in 2022 (L2) ahead of their maiden home clash of 2023.
Rennes’ incredible home run certainly complicates things for visiting Nice, who nevertheless make this trip on the back of a eight-game unbeaten run (W3, D5), bookended by an encouraging goalless draw against second-place Lens on Thursday. That result did, however, highlight the offensive deficiencies of the Eaglets, as no Ligue 1 team has scored fewer than Nice’s 15 league goals this campaign.
That goalshy nature doesn’t seem to have hindered Lucien Favre’s men away from home though, as they’ve picked up 57% of their Ligue 1 points on their travels (W3, D3, L2) and are in a minority of sides performing better on the road. Nice have recently travelled well to this venue too, avoiding defeat in their last seven visits (W5, D2), whilst winning the last three via a 2-1 scoreline.
Players to watch: Identified by Real Madrid as potential successor to Luka Modrić, Lovro Majer has led Rennes to a win in each of his last six goalscoring Ligue 1 games. Aiming to eclipse him, Nice’s Gaëtan Laborde has scored all five of his league goals this season after half-time.
Hot stat: Just one of the previous 11 Ligue 1 H2Hs have seen the designated home side on the day emerge victorious (Home: D5, L5).