Rennes vs Nantes prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-09-30 18:45.
The seventh matchday of Ligue 1 concludes with the 100th Derby de l’Ouest between Rennes and Nantes, with both teams level on points in mid-table positions ahead of the weekend. Optimism has steadily faded for Rennes since their impressive 5-1 win against Metz to open their Ligue 1 season, as they’ve drawn each of their following five league matches, their longest such run in more than six years.
This consistency in mediocrity is far from satisfying coach Bruno Génésio, who "expected much better" after their goalless draw in Montpellier last outing, despite a total of 18 shots and a possession share of 63%. Improvement is therefore badly needed in the final third if the Red and Blacks are to extend their decade-long unbeaten record at Roazhon Park against Nantes (W7, D3).
Nantes' momentum has taken a different turn, as they rebounded after two losses at the start of their Ligue 1 campaign by managing to secure points in their next four matches (W2, D2). The Canaries have gained confidence after their impressive 5-3 victory against Lorient last weekend, although coach Pierre Aristouy remained cautious after the game, stating “we won't get ahead of ourselves,” despite the recent improvement.
Improving away performances could be vital for Nantes, who have won only one of their previous nine league road trips (D2, L6), and it has been nearly two years since they last secured back-to-back away victories in Ligue 1 football. It’s unlikely to be an easy feat to achieve, with Aristouy’s men set for a tough test against a Rennes side who bested them in their previous five away H2Hs.
Players to watch: After officially choosing the Algerian national team this week, Amine Gouiri will be eager to add to his five goal contributions in eight personal H2Hs (G2, A3). Aiming to eclipse him will be Moses Simon, who has been the game’s last scorer in five of his last six goalscoring appearances for Nantes.
Hot stat: Just two of the previous ten Ligue 1 H2Hs featured goals in both halves.