Rennes vs Monaco prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-12-08 16:00.
Sitting in the relative safety of mid-table ahead of the round, you’d be forgiven for thinking Rennes were comfortably above the drop zone. That isn't quite the case though, as they come into the round just three points above the bottom three, and as they now prepare to host title-chasing Monaco, there appears to be no sign of a let up in their battle to steer clear of relegation.
Returning to familiar surroundings would usually be a positive for a Rennes side who boasted Ligue 1’s second-best home record last season, but this campaign has told a much different story. Les Rennais have won just two of their last seven home league games (D3, L2), and they’ve eerily posted an identical record across the last seven games in which they’ve hosted Monaco (W2, D3, L2).
Sitting 12 points above Rennes in the table, it is perhaps a surprise to see Monaco priced up as slight outsiders here. A quick glance at Monaco’s travelling record might be the reason behind that, as the Monégasques have won just one of their last six away league games (D3, L2), meaning they have six wins from seven at home to thank for their lofty league position.
Slow starts have largely been behind their dismal away record, with Monaco conceding the opening goal in five of their seven league games on the road this term. Three of those five openers conceded arrived inside the opening ten minutes, highlighting just how sluggish Monaco can be at times, but given they avoided defeat in all three of those games (W1, D2), an early setback doesn’t always define the result.
Players to watch: Amine Gouiri opened the scoring in Rennes’ last home league game and all five of his goals this season have arrived before the hour mark. Coming into this round amongst the leading Ligue 1 scorers, Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder has seen four of his six league goals this term come on the road, all of which arrived beyond the 40th minute.
Hot stat: Monaco’s Ligue 1 away games this term have averaged a league-high two first-half goals.