Brest vs Rennes prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-09-01 15:00.
After their best-ever two-game start to a Ligue 1 season (W2), Brest were brought back down to earth by a 2-0 defeat to Marseille last time out – a result which also ended their eight-match scoring streak. The Pirates were breached inside four minutes in that loss, while they also failed to convert any of their 18 shots, prompting coach Eric Roy to lament his players' "lack of technical accuracy".
The hosts will undoubtedly embrace their return to Stade Francis-Le Blé, where they have emerged victorious in six of their last seven league matches (L1), although their one loss did come against their upcoming opponent Rennes (2-1). Despite the positive prospect of the loan signings of Jordan Amavi and Billal Brahimi, Brest must contend with the demons of a 13-game winless H2H streak that spans over a decade (D5, L8).
After starting the season with a commanding 5-1 victory over newly-promoted Metz, Rennes appear to be losing momentum. They’ve been held to back-to-back draws since, the latest of which was an “unacceptable” 2-2 draw against Le Havre, as coach Bruno Génésio described it on Sunday. His anger is certainly understandable given that his side were 2-0 up by the half-hour mark, while the fact their opponents played out nearly 30 minutes with ten men only served to compound his misery.
This outcome has prompted Rennes to become more proactive in the final days of the transfer window, as they have announced the signings of Fabian Rieder and striker Bertug Yıldırım, who has been likened to Erling Haaland due to his physical attributes. Those new arrivals will be hoping to help extend Rennes’ three-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1 away matches (W2, D1), a sequence that should inspire confidence ahead of this Breton derby.
Players to watch: Brest’s performance could depend on Jérémy Le Douaron, who has netted his last seven goals at home, including five as the game’s first scorer. Benjamin Bourigeaud could steal the show after scoring Rennes' last three away goals, including a brace in the corresponding H2H three months ago.
Hot stat: Last season, Rennes were beaten a joint-league high four times in Ligue 1 away games they started as favourites (W4, D2, L4).