Rennes vs Strasbourg prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-01-31 20:00.
After posting an incredible shock victory over PSG a couple of rounds ago, Rennes followed it up with a rather underwhelming 2-1 defeat at Lorient, meaning they’ve now lost more league games across the last five (W2, L3) than they did in the opening 15 rounds. Bruno Génésio’s men could mathematically be as low as seventh by the time this game kicks off, so they’ll be desperate to avoid their first back-to-back league losses this season to stay in the race for the Champions League places.
Returning to Roazhon Park should aid them in that endeavour, given that only Lens can boast more home league wins than Rennes’ nine this term (L1). In fact, the Red and Blacks haven’t lost here since the season opener and the nine consecutive Ligue 1 home wins to follow have set a new club record.
The hosts are short odds to extend that run against relegation-threatened Strasbourg, a side that has lost here in six of the last seven meetings in Rennes. Mathieu Le Scornet, who was confirmed as the new Strasbourg boss until the end of the season, did make a promising start (W1, D1), although that may prove to be a false dawn after his side were dragged into the extended relegation zone with a 2-1 defeat against Toulouse last time out.
Playing away may actually work in the Alsace outfit’s favour, as they are the only remaining side yet to win a home league game and are unbeaten in over half of their Ligue 1 road trips (W2, D3, L4). Even so, the bookmakers have rarely got it wrong where Strasbourg are concerned and their 10% win-rate as underdogs will not inspire confidence (W1, D5, L4).
Players to watch: With top-scorer Martin Terrier out for the season, Rennes may look to Amine Gouiri to build on his goal contributions in each of his last two meetings with Strasbourg (G1, A1). Strasbourg have a big absentee themselves with Kevin Gameiro (G7) suspended, so Habib Diallo may carry the burden as he seeks a third straight scoring appearance against Rennes.
Hot stat: Strasbourg have failed to score in just one of their nine away league games this season.