Le Havre vs Rennes prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2024-02-10 12:00.
Comfortably slotting into mid-table may have been above the expectations of the vast majority of Le Havre fans upon their return to Ligue 1, but that’s exactly what they’ve done after 20 rounds. Luka Elsner’s men have lost just one of their last five league matches (W2, D2), though they faced disappointment in midweek by being dumped out of the Coupe de France at the last 16 stage by Strasbourg.
Fewer distractions may well help them in their quest for a top-half finish, as will playing at the Stade Océane where only champions PSG have beaten them in the league since early October (W2, D2). In fact, Le Havre have won successive home games here by a 3-1 scoreline, so the visit of Rennes presents them with the chance to win three top-flight games in a row on their own turf for the first time since February 2003!
This is a Rennes outfit not to be taken lightly however, as they’ve recovered admirably from a turbulent start to the campaign by winning seven successive matches across all competitions. That includes an active four-match streak in Ligue 1 that’s seen Julian Stéphan’s men net ten times, outlining their credentials as a threat to the European places.
Rennes start the round just four points adrift, and will be confident of closing that gap despite hitting the road. After failing to win any of their first seven away league games this season, the Red and Blacks have won successive fixtures on their travels, and will be looking to string together three in a row for the first time since January 2020.
Players to watch: Le Havre’s Andre Ayew has hit a purple patch since returning from AFCON duty, scoring three times in as many appearances. The hosts will need to look out for Arnaud Kalimuendo, as each of his last eight goals have arrived in the 15 minutes either side of half-time.
Hot stat: A joint-league high 13 of Rennes’ 20 league games this term saw both teams score.