Rennes vs Clermont prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-02-18 14:00.
It’s been a troubling time lately for Rennes as their recent domestic shortfalls seemed to follow them on their continental travels, with their 2-1 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek UEFA Europa League action meaning they’ve now lost five of their last six matches (W1). Boss Bruno Génésio must quickly refocus his side on their Ligue 1 duties where they’ve lost back-to-back matches by a 3-1 scoreline, which has ultimately resulted in them being pushed out of the European spots.
If there’s anywhere the Red and Blacks are going to get back on their feet, it’s Roazhon Park, as the 3-1 loss to Lille in their last outing here was preceded by an impressive 13-game undefeated run at home (W11, D2). They could do with a repeat of their only ever home game against opponents Clermont, which Rennes won 6-0 back in September 2021 and ranks as their joint-largest victory at home in Ligue 1.
It’s Clermont who own the bragging rights since then though, winning both the reverse fixture that season and the first encounter of this campaign 2-1. Despite sitting comfortably in mid-table in just their second season ever in the top-flight, manager Pascal Gastien would jump at the chance of claiming a result like the last two H2Hs if offered considering he’s seen his offense falter lately, with consecutive 0-0 draws followed most recently by a double-dose of scoreless defeats marking their longest ever scoring drought in top-flight football.
The Lancers have tended to travel well though, losing just one of their last eight away league assignments (W3, D4). They can thank their defensive line for that positive output, as their rock-solid rear-guard average only one goal conceded per league game this season when hitting the road.
Players to watch: Rennes will be hoping Amine Gouiri can fire early once again given six of his last seven goals have come before half-time. Clermont might look to Grejohn Kyei to counteract any early Gouiri impact considering he’s netted the match opener in four of his last five goalscoring outings.
Hot stat: Rennes have seen a league-high 17 of their 23 matches this season produce over 2.5 goals.